G7 considers escorting ships in the Middle East amid conflict

Tokyo — The Group of Seven (G7) has agreed to explore the possibility of escorting merchant vessels in the Middle East once security conditions permit, amidst the ongoing conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran, according to a statement from France, which holds the G7 presidency this year.

In a statement released on Wednesday (11 March), following an online meeting of G7 leaders, the French Government stated that the ship escort plan is intended to restore freedom of navigation in the region.

Meanwhile, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said at a press conference in Tokyo on Thursday that the announcement represents France’s own decision as G7 chair. Kihara declined to provide further explanation on the matter.

Japan will likely face a difficult choice regarding whether to join in the ship escort plan by G7 military forces.

“Maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East is extremely important for Japan and we will continue to work closely with relevant countries, including G7 members, and undertake all necessary diplomatic efforts to ease the situation as quickly as possible,” Kihara added, speaking as the Japanese Government’s chief spokesperson.

Japan imports more than 90 per cent of its oil from the Middle East, making the country highly vulnerable to any potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has already been blocking the transportation of oil and gas from suppliers in the region following US and Israeli attacks on Iran late last month.