By Gloria Ogbonna
A broad international coalition of more than 20 countries across Asia, Europe, and the Gulf has signaled its readiness to take coordinated action to reopen and secure the Strait of Hormuz, following escalating threats to commercial shipping attributed to Iran’s Islamist leadership.
In a strongly worded joint statement released Saturday, nations including United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Canada, and United Arab Emirates condemned in the “strongest terms” what they described as Iran’s recent attacks on unarmed civilian vessels, as well as strikes targeting oil and gas infrastructure throughout the Gulf region.
The coalition expressed “deep concern” over the rapidly worsening situation and called on Iran to immediately halt all hostile activities.
These include laying naval mines, launching drone and missile attacks, and attempting to block commercial traffic through one of the world’s most vital maritime corridors. The group also urged compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817, emphasizing the importance of de-escalation.
“Freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law,” the statement read, referencing protections under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The coalition warned that continued interference with shipping lanes could have far-reaching consequences, particularly for vulnerable populations dependent on stable global energy supplies.
The statement further highlighted that disruptions in the Strait pose a serious threat to international peace and economic stability. With nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas passing through the narrow waterway, any prolonged closure could send shockwaves through global markets.
As a result, the coalition called for an immediate and comprehensive halt to attacks on civilian infrastructure, especially critical energy facilities.
Importantly, the group made clear its willingness to act. “We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait,” the nations stated, adding that they welcome ongoing military and logistical planning among allies aimed at safeguarding maritime traffic.
Despite recent military actions by the United States and Israel—which reportedly destroyed significant portions of Iran’s naval capabilities, including mine-laying vessels—many commercial shipping operators remain hesitant to return to the Strait. Concerns persist over the possibility of hidden naval mines, coastal missile strikes, or attacks by Iranian-backed proxy forces.
Speaking on the situation, Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of United States Central Command, stated that Iran’s ability to threaten maritime security has been “significantly degraded.” He revealed that U.S. forces recently conducted precision strikes using multiple 5,000-pound bombs on underground coastal facilities believed to house missile systems and launch infrastructure.
“We not only took out the facility but also destroyed intelligence support sites and radar relays used to track ship movements,” Cooper explained, adding that operations will continue until Iran’s capacity to disrupt international shipping is fully neutralized.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has called on allied nations—particularly those heavily reliant on Gulf energy exports—to take a more active role in securing the Strait. He noted that while the United States has become largely energy-independent, many global partners remain highly dependent on the uninterrupted flow of oil and gas through the region.
Trump described reopening the Strait as a “relatively simple military maneuver,” though he acknowledged that it would require a substantial number of naval assets to ensure safe and continuous passage for commercial vessels.
As tensions remain high, the Strait of Hormuz continues to stand at the center of a growing geopolitical standoff—one with significant implications not only for regional security but also for the stability of the global economy.
Source Breitbart
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