Germany, France, the UK, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada, and Japan have released a joint letter condemning Iran's recent attacks on commercial vessels and infrastructure in the Gulf, as well as the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The statement expresses deep concern over the escalating conflict and calls on Iran to cease such activities. It also signals readiness to contribute to efforts ensuring safe passage through the strait.
A coalition of nations—Germany, France, UK, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada, and Japan—issued a statement condemning 'in the strongest terms' Iran's attacks on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, civilian infrastructure including oil and gas installations, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces. The letter highlights 'deep concern about the escalating conflict' and urges Iran to 'cease immediately its threats, laying of mines and drone and missile attacks and other attempts to block the strait to commercial shipping,' while complying with U.N. Security Council Resolution 28-17. It demands an 'immediate comprehensive moratorium on attacks on civilian infrastructure' and calls on all states to respect international law for prosperity and security. The allies expressed 'readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure a safe passage through the Strait' and welcomed commitments from nations in preparatory planning. According to Axios, NATO head Mark Rutte and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday morning, persuading him to support the political statement while deferring practical steps. Rutte stated: “We all agree, as we always did, that it was crucial for Iran not to get its hands on a nuclear capability, a ballistic missile capability. And what the U.S. is doing at the moment is degrading that capability of Iran. And I think that’s very important. This is important for European security, for the Middle East. It is vital for Israel itself.” Japan's prime minister told President Trump: “I firmly believe that it is only you, Donald, who can achieve peace across the world,” and that they would “reach out to many of the partners in the international community, to achieve our objective together.”
