Italy, Germany, and France have indicated they are willing to help safeguard shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, but only once a ceasefire is in place in the region. The position follows a joint statement issued by a group of countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan and Canada. Get today's headlines by email The statement condemned recent disruptions to maritime traffic and expressed readiness to support efforts ensuring the safe passage of commercial vessels. Conditions for interventionDespite the earlier show of unity, officials in Rome, Berlin and Paris later clarified that they are not currently considering immediate military involvement. Instead, discussions have focused on a potential multinational initiative that would only be launched after tensions ease and hostilities come to an end. The countries also criticised actions attributed to Iran, including the mining of waters, drone and missile attacks, and the effective shutdown of the vital shipping corridor. They called for an immediate halt to such activities. Strategic importance of the straitThe Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most critical maritime routes in the world, linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It lies between Iran to the north and Oman and the United Arab Emirates to the south. A significant portion of global oil supplies passes through the narrow channel, with exports from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE relying heavily on the route. Any disruption poses serious risks to global energy markets and supply chains. Broader military contextThe situation comes amid wider tensions in the region, with the United States considering additional military funding. The Pentagon has reportedly asked the White House to approve a request to Congress exceeding $200bn to sustain ongoing operations linked to the conflict involving Iran. For now, European governments appear to be prioritising de-escalation, making clear that any direct role in securing the strait will depend on a cessation of fighting. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 22 March 2026
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