France and Allies Offer to Secure Strait of Hormuz, on Condition of Ceasefire
France has declared its readiness to help maintain maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. However, they emphasise that concrete new steps will only be taken after a ceasefire is reached. In addition to France, other countries including the UK, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the Netherlands made this statement on Thursday (19/3) local time.
The group stated their willingness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz. They also welcomed initiatives by several countries that have begun initial planning while strongly condemning attacks on unarmed commercial ships in the Gulf region.
However, France, Germany, and Italy emphasised that this commitment does not mean military intervention in the near term. The three countries stressed that every step will be taken within a multilateral framework after the conflict subsides.
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have sharply increased following Iran’s effective blockade. This strategic route has long served as a passage for about one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.
Since the conflict erupted, at least 23 commercial ships, including 10 tankers, have been reported to have experienced incidents or attacks. The International Maritime Organisation has recorded around 20,000 seafarers now stranded on approximately 3,200 ships in the western area of the strait.
In a joint statement, the countries expressed deep concern over the escalation of the conflict. They urged Iran to immediately cease threats, mine-laying, and drone and missile attacks that disrupt shipping lanes.
“The principle of freedom of navigation is a fundamental part of international law, including in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea,” the statement read.
They also warned that the impact of this crisis will be felt globally, particularly by vulnerable groups.
US President Donald Trump previously urged other countries, including NATO members, to help reopen the shipping lanes in Hormuz. However, this call has not yet been met with swift action, although discussions remain open.
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto emphasised that the steps under discussion are not a war mission. He stated there would be no deployment to Hormuz without a ceasefire and a clear multilateral initiative, with a legal framework from the United Nations.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius echoed this sentiment. He assessed that German military involvement would depend on the post-ceasefire situation and an international mandate, including parliamentary approval.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that France is exploring the possibility of establishing a framework under the UN Security Council to guarantee maritime security after the conflict ends.
“We have started the exploratory process and will see in the coming days whether this can succeed,” he said.
A UK defence official also acknowledged that the threat level in the region remains too high for deploying warships in the near term. London is currently only sending a small number of military planners to the US Central Command to prepare various future options.