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.

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The statement condemned recent disruptions to maritime traffic and expressed readiness to support efforts ensuring the safe passage of commercial vessels.

Conditions for intervention

Despite 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 strait

The 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 context

The 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.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 22 March 2026

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Hm, ceasefire, eh. No guarantees there. We all know that sides take liberties during ceasefires. Those EU ships should stay home. If those 'allies' hadn't started this war, everything would be normal.

When USA and Israel stop bombing, than Iran will stop too.

Ceasefire realized

EU cowards. Nobody want them when it is ceasefire. Now Trump will prefer Russia and will not help this countries !

As an American I would strongly advise Europe to condition their response on a ceasefire and the removal of Donald trump from office……he has proven time and again that he cannot be trusted and seems to be more of an asset to the worst governments presently in existence.

They should establish more conditions for assistance with a Strait. Stop the bombing, the immediate resignation of Donald Trump, and Hegseth, and the closure of all US bases throughout the Middle East.

2 hours ago, Rinato said:

When USA and Israel stop bombing, than Iran will stop too.

Ceasefire realized

USA will be forced to stop shortly due to pressure from outside and especially inside the country. But can the USA control Israel enough for them to stop bombing? After all, it was only when Israel let the US know they were starting, that the US was forced to enter (according to Rubio, and this sounds plausible).

31 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

They should establish more conditions for assistance with a Strait. Stop the bombing, the immediate resignation of Donald Trump, and Hegseth, and the closure of all US bases throughout the Middle East.

Would be nice, but they want to resume normal activities asap. Resignation of Hegseth could be feasible, but resignation/impeachment of Trump and closure of military basis throughout the Middle East not so much in the short term.

Hormuz is strategically significant to global trade and the next choke point for global commerce and engery will be the Red Sea that will de-rail the already suffering world economy. Houthi is awaiting Iran's order and ready to respond at any moment to close the Bab el-Mandeh Strait. European powers must continue to speak out and assert pressure on Trump.

He is rudderless and making personal threats that has no support from allies, Congress and the majority of the American public. His air strikes not winning the war and his threats of invasion is light weight and foolhardy. He will certainly the worst President in USA history and will drive the economy into a recession with the national debt is spiralling out of control. He faced a US$10 trillion plus wall of maturing debt this year and the yields are climbing. He is a disaster for US and the world.

😂😂😂😂 ok how about this. Ceasefire is not going to happen. It has to be a settlement. If so eu gesture is meaningless.

4 minutes ago, AustinRacing said:

😂😂😂😂 ok how about this. Ceasefire is not going to happen. It has to be a settlement. If so eu gesture is meaningless.

Can't be as meaningless as Trump's war

4 minutes ago, AustinRacing said:

It has to be a settlement.

What do you mean, the USA is going to pay Iran for the damage caused?

It means terms agreed by iran as well. I think that includes reparations to name a few.

8 minutes ago, AustinRacing said:

😂😂😂😂 ok how about this. Ceasefire is not going to happen. It has to be a settlement. If so eu gesture is meaningless.

Of course they know there will not be a ceasefire.........they are talking out the issue, Filibustering, while Trump continues to skewer himself.

Good on them.