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Japan and some EU countries have indicated that they are prepared to help safeguard shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and stabilise global energy markets.

Some shit you should know before you dig in: If you’re unaware, Iran has been ramping up its attacks on oil and gas infrastructure across the Gulf while also striking commercial cargo tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, effectively choking one of the world’s most critical energy routes. These repeated missile, drone, and maritime attacks have made the passage so dangerous that almost no tankers are now willing to transit the strait, severely disrupting global oil and LNG flows. As a result, energy markets have reacted, with oil and gas prices surging and putting intense pressure on economies worldwide that are already grappling with inflation. Iranian officials have defended the campaign, arguing it is a direct response to US and Israeli strikes on their own energy facilities, and claiming they are deliberately targeting infrastructure tied to US interests rather than engaging in indiscriminate escalation.

What’s going on now: In a notable development, Japan, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands issued a joint statement saying they “express [their] readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait.” While they stopped short of detailing concrete military commitments, they made clear they are engaging in planning alongside partners and “welcome the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning.”

The group also condemned Iran’s actions, stating: “We condemn in the strongest terms recent attacks by Iran on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, attacks on civilian infrastructure including oil and gas installations, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces.” They also called for immediate de-escalation, urging Tehran to “cease immediately its threats, the laying of mines, drone and missile attacks and other attempts to block the Strait to commercial shipping.”

Beyond security, they emphasized the broader global stakes, warning that “the effects of Iran’s actions will be felt by people in all parts of the world, especially the most vulnerable,” and reaffirmed that “freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law.” They also pushed for “an immediate comprehensive moratorium on attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations.”

This all comes after President Trump expressed disappointment and some anger over what he sees as delays from allies in stepping up to secure the strait, having publicly pressured countries that rely heavily on the route to contribute more directly to protecting it.