Six nations pledge to ensure safe passage in the Strait of Hormuz, but Italy and Germany rule out immediate military aid without a truce and UN framework.

LONDON: Six major international powers have declared readiness to ensure safe passage through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the Netherlands said they were prepared to contribute to efforts guaranteeing security in the waterway.

They strongly condemned recent Iranian attacks on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf.

Italy and Germany later clarified that this did not mean immediate military assistance.

Both nations stressed any potential multilateral initiative would only follow a ceasefire.

Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said the statement should not be seen as a “war mission”.

“No entry into Hormuz without a truce and a comprehensive multilateral initiative,” he stated.

He emphasised the need for a United Nations legal framework for any action.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said military involvement would depend on the post-ceasefire situation.

Any German deployment would also require an international mandate and parliamentary approval.

The declaration responds to an effective Iranian blockade paralysing shipping through the strait.

This chokepoint normally sees a fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas pass through.

The conflict erupted on February 28 when the US and Israel began bombing Iran.

Tehran has retaliated with strikes across the Gulf region, targeting commercial shipping.

Twenty-three commercial vessels, including 10 tankers, have reported incidents or attacks.

Approximately 3,200 vessels are now stranded west of the strait with 20,000 seafarers onboard.

The allied nations expressed deep concern about the escalating conflict in their joint statement.

“We call on Iran to cease immediately its threats, laying of mines, drone and missile attacks and other attempts to block the Strait to commercial shipping,” it added.

They affirmed that freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law.

US President Donald Trump has urged other powers and NATO to help reopen the strait.

Allies have rebuffed his call for immediate action while remaining open to planning discussions.

A UK defence official said the current threat level deterred nations from sending warships.

London has sent additional military planners to US Central Command to help develop future options.

 The Sun Malaysia