G7 Considers Ship Escorts Amid Strait of Hormuz Blockade
G7 member nations are moving swiftly to respond to escalating conflict in the Middle East that increasingly threatens global economic stability. During a video conference meeting on Wednesday, representatives from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union discussed emergency measures to secure maritime trade routes.
The primary focus of the meeting was addressing supply chain disruptions caused by Iran’s involvement in the regional conflict. According to the official meeting statement, G7 nations are exploring “possible ship escorts when security conditions permit.”
This step follows intelligence reports indicating that Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, including by laying sea mines.
Tensions escalated further following a verified video showing an attack by Iran’s Shahed-type drone striking a fuel storage tank at Salalah Port in Oman. The massive explosion triggered a severe fire that Omani emergency teams are still attempting to extinguish. Oman’s Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority stated that extinguishing efforts “may take considerable time.”
In response to the incident in its territory, Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq directly contacted Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian. The Sultan conveyed “strong disapproval and condemnation” of the attack whilst maintaining Oman’s neutral position in the regional conflict. Iran’s armed forces spokesperson described the Oman incident as “highly suspicious” and claimed to be conducting an internal investigation.
G7 nations are concerned about the systemic impact of this maritime blockade, particularly on global agriculture and food security. They plan to increase coordination with Gulf nations to mitigate emerging economic risks. Beyond physical security measures on maritime routes, G7 also emphasises the need to accelerate energy transition as a long-term solution.
“This situation highlights the importance of pursuing energy independence and electrification agendas to reduce our dependence on geopolitical volatility,” the G7 official statement read.
The ship escort plan will involve intensive discussions with shipping companies, transport operators, and insurance firms to ensure trade continues amid heightened security risks in Middle Eastern waters.