Leaders from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan issued a sharp joint statement Thursday condemning Iran’s aggressive attacks on unarmed commercial vessels, strikes on civilian oil and gas infrastructure, and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
The nations blasted Iran’s actions as a direct threat to international peace and security, in clear violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2817. They demanded Tehran immediately halt mine-laying, drone and missile strikes, and all efforts to choke off commercial shipping through this vital chokepoint.
Freedom of navigation remains a bedrock principle of international law, the statement stressed. Iran’s reckless disruption is inflicting pain on global energy markets and hitting the world’s most vulnerable populations hardest with higher prices and supply risks.
The six countries signaled readiness to join appropriate international efforts to restore safe passage through the strait. They welcomed ongoing planning by partner nations and backed coordinated releases from strategic petroleum reserves via the International Energy Agency to calm volatile energy prices.
They also committed to additional measures, including cooperation with key producers to ramp up output and stabilize markets.
This unified stand comes as Iran’s de facto blockade—following U.S. and Israeli military operations—has slashed tanker traffic by over 90 percent, stranded thousands of mariners, and sent oil prices soaring. The message is clear: free passage must be restored, and Iran must end its threats to global commerce.