European nations, Japan call on Iran to stop Hormuz blockade

PARIS (March 20): Several European nations and Japan are calling on Iran to end its de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, reported German news agency dpa.

Tehran should immediately cease its attempts to block the vital strait through threatening gestures, the laying of mines, drone and missile attacks and other measures, according to a joint statement by German, French, British, Italian, Dutch and Japanese leaders.

Their statement condemns Iran’s actions “in the strongest terms.”

They also signalled their readiness to take action to protect merchant shipping in the region. “We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait,” the statement continued.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot made it clear that whilst France and its allies wish to participate in securing the strait, they will not contribute to any offensive military operation to open the sea route.

“What is certain is that we will not participate in a military operation that would force the opening of the Strait, and that this will not be an extension of Aspides,” Barrot told Germany’s Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper.

Aspides is an EU mission decided in 2024 to secure shipping in the Red Sea.

The US and Israel, which launched the conflict in the Gulf by attacking Iran, were not mentioned in the statement, though it called for an “immediate, comprehensive moratorium” on all attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas facilities.

“We call on all states to respect international law and uphold the fundamental principles of international prosperity and security,” the statement continued.

It welcomed the decision by the International Energy Agency to authorise a coordinated release of strategic oil reserves.

It also said further measures were to be taken to stabilise energy markets, including by “working with certain producer countries to increase output.” – Bernama-dpa