Germany, together with France, the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan, has signaled its willingness to participate in future security measures for the Strait of Hormuz. In a joint statement released on Thursday by the heads of state and government, the countries pledged to contribute to “appropriate efforts” that would ensure safe passage through the strait. They also welcomed the initiatives of other states already undertaking preparatory planning.
The precise measures still remain undefined. Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has repeatedly stressed that any involvement in securing the strait could only take place after the fighting in the Middle East comes to an end.
The leaders condemned Iran’s recent attacks on unarmed merchant vessels in the Gulf, on civilian infrastructure-including oil and gas facilities-and the de‑facto blockade of the Hormuz waterway by Iranian forces. They warned that the consequences of these actions will be felt worldwide, especially by the most vulnerable populations.
In line with UN Security Council Resolution 2817, the statement describes such disruption of international shipping and global energy supply chains as a threat to world peace and international security. It calls for an “immediate and comprehensive moratorium” on attacks against civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas facilities.
The leaders also welcomed the International Energy Agency’s decision to approve a coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves. They said they would undertake further actions to stabilise energy markets, including collaboration with certain oil‑producing countries to boost production, and they will work to provide assistance to the countries most affected by the crisis.
