Press Release: Some allies ready "to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait"

[vanessa_ca]

And so it begins

Press release
Joint statement from the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan on the Strait of Hormuz.

From:
Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP
Published 19 March 2026

We condemn in the strongest terms recent attacks by Iran on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, attacks on civilian infrastructure including oil and gas installations, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces.

We express our deep concern about the escalating conflict. We call on Iran to cease immediately its threats, laying of mines, drone and missile attacks and other attempts to block the Strait to commercial shipping, and to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817.

Freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law, including under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The effects of Iran’s actions will be felt by people in all parts of the world, especially the most vulnerable.

Consistent with UNSC Resolution 2817, we emphasise that such interference with international shipping and the disruption of global energy supply chains constitute a threat to international peace and security. In this regard, we call for an immediate comprehensive moratorium on attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations.

We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait. We welcome the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning.

We welcome the International Energy Agency decision to authorise a coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves. We will take other steps to stabilise energy markets, including working with certain producing nations to increase output.

We will also work to provide support for the most affected nations, including through the United Nations and the IFIs.

Maritime security and freedom of navigation benefit all countries. We call on all states to respect international law and uphold the fundamental principles of international prosperity and security.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/joint-statement-from-the-leaders-of-the-united-kingdom-france-germany-italy-the-netherlands-and-japan-on-the-strait-of-hormuz-19-march-2026

[Fiendish Thingy]

1. And so what begins?

This is diplomatic needle-threading; if you read the language carefully, most of that statement could apply to the US as well as Iran.

[vanessa_ca]

6. See post 4. Additionally, I take this as an announcement

Last edited Thu Mar 19, 2026, 01:56 PM - Edit history (1)

that they will get involved militarily if Iran does not meet their terms. I don't see the EU nations asking Russia for gas or agreeing to pay in Yuan. And I don't see Iran giving up its leverage especially when some of these nations are aiding the US logistically.

I note how their release says nothing about the US/Israeli unwarranted attack on Iran and tells Iran to back down instead of stating the US and Israel must cease their illegal war. So much for appealing to international law. I think Iran will note the same.

I freely admit I'm no expert, but I sense a slippery slope here.

[newdeal2]

2. Sounds like the bare minimum to make Trump look less like an idiot

For the past few days he’s been begging for help and saying we don’t need or want any help.

I’ll wait for the details.

[harumph]

3. legalease

It means, 'We will performatively act - without actually putting physical assets at risk.'

Smoke in a bottle.

[Boo1]

4. Regardless of their feelings on the war

The strait can only be shutdown for a few weeks before the global economy goes into deep recession. At this point they will have to come open it to protect themselves.

[thucythucy]

5. Or they could try to put pressure on the US to stop the war. nt

[vanessa_ca]

7. Exactly. They need to grow a pair. -eom

[haele]

8. Or they could put out a notice of the following.

We recognize our erstwhile ally is going through an emotional breakdown and has been exploring relations with several different types of radical authoritarian ideology that puts its governing management more in line with dictators and theocratic tribal leadership.
We do not condone their current actions hope that they come to their senses soon and remediate the mess they're causing.

[D_Master81]

9. Remember Trump yelling at Zelensky

I remember Trump yelling at Zelensky about world war 3 and here we are dragging how many countries into this?