Seven countries from Europe and Japan voice support to safeguard the strait and stabilize energy markets | WPN World People News

In response to Washington’s earlier initiative on naval escort operations, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, along with Japan and Canada, issued a joint statement on the 19th, expressing their commitment to making appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and to take measures to stabilize energy markets.

The statement condemned Iran’s recent attacks in the Persian Gulf region on unarmed commercial vessels, as well as civilian infrastructure such as oil and natural gas facilities. It called on Iran to immediately cease threats, mine-laying, drone and missile attacks, and other actions aimed at blockading the Strait of Hormuz. The countries expressed their willingness to contribute appropriately to ensuring safe navigation through the strait, welcomed other nations to join, and emphasized that additional measures would be taken to stabilize energy markets. These include cooperating with certain oil-producing countries to increase output, in coordination with the International Energy Agency’s efforts to release strategic petroleum reserves.

In addition, South Korea and the Kingdom of Bahrain subsequently stated that their governments had decided to participate in the joint statement. Countries including India have also publicly expressed strong opposition to attacks on commercial shipping, noting that such actions not only endanger the safety of crew members but also disrupt global trade and energy stability.

According to a Reuters report, the government in Tehran is attempting to strengthen its control over the Strait of Hormuz. Parliament is currently considering imposing transit fees and taxes on countries that use the strait for shipping, energy transport, and food supply, as a means to counterbalance Western sanctions.