Italy, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Japan have condemned Iran’s attacks on shipping in the Persian Gulf and announced their willingness to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. «We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait. We welcome the commitment of nations who are carrying out preparatory planning,” reads a joint statement signed by the six countries.
No details yet but with the joint statement issued today, Italy, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Japan are mobilizing to address the consequences of the war in Iran on the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz in particular. Not only do the six governments condemn Tehran’s attacks on the energy infrastructure of its Arab neighbors, but they pledge to contribute to the securing of Hormuz. As American President Donald Trump had requested. «Maritime safety and freedom of navigation benefit all countries. We call on all States to respect international law and uphold the fundamental principles of international prosperity and security,” they underline.
These are the points of the joint declaration:
CONDEMNATION OF ATTACKS “We condemn in the strongest terms Iran’s recent attacks against unarmed merchant ships in the Gulf, attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas facilities, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces.”
STOP TEHRAN’S THREATS AND RAIDS “We express our deep concern about the escalation of the conflict. We call on Iran to immediately cease threats, mine-laying, drone and missile attacks and other attempts to block the Strait to commercial shipping, and to comply with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817.
IMPAIRMENT TO FREEDOM OF NAVIGATION IS A THREAT TO PEACE “Freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law, including under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The effects of Iran’s actions will be felt on people everywhere, especially the most vulnerable. In line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817, we emphasize that such interference with international navigation and disruption of global energy supply chains constitutes a threat to peace and international security”.
MORATORIUM ON ATTACKS ON ENERGY INSTALLATIONS «We call for an immediate and complete moratorium on attacks on civil infrastructure, including oil and gas installations”
CONTRIBUTION TO EFFORTS TO ENSURE PASSAGE TO HORMUZ «We express our willingness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait. We welcome the commitment of nations who are undertaking preparatory planning.”
MEASURES TO STABILIZE ENERGY MARKETS «We welcome the International Energy Agency’s decision to authorize a coordinated release of strategic oil reserves. We will take further steps to stabilize energy markets, including working with some producing nations to increase production.”
SUPPORT TO THE AFFECTED NATIONS “We will also commit to providing support to the most affected nations, including through the United Nations and international financial institutions.”
The reactions
«The Italian government should immediately clarify the meaning of the joint statement with the English, French, German, Dutch and Japanese governments in which they say they are available to contribute to the appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, welcoming “the commitment of the nations that are participating in the preparatory planning”. What does it mean? Are we talking about diplomatic or military efforts? It seems more the latter judging by the positive reference to the nations that are planning preparations for an action. Meloni, Tajani and Crosetto must explain immediately if they are dragging us into war.” This was declared by the M5s group leaders of the Foreign and Defense Commissions of the Senate and Chamber, Senator Alessandra Maiorino and deputies Francesco Silvestri and Arnaldo Lomuti.
«A military plan with France, Germany, England, Italy, Japan and Holland to guarantee commercial navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. So Giorgia Meloni is taking Italy into war!» say Angelo Bonelli and Nicola Fratoianni of Avs. «After repeating the opposite in recent days, the English government has issued a note», continue the Avs leaders, «which informs about a six-party agreement for a plan on the Strait of Hormuz. It is quite clear that any intervention in the context of an illegal war such as the one unleashed by Trump and Nethanyau against Iran would correspond to full participation. The Italian Government, starting with Giorgia Meloni, has the duty to immediately clarify this matter. This would be a very serious and irresponsible choice, while we are still waiting for a clear condemnation of the illegal attack by the United States and Israel and not embarrassing, however ambiguous, sentences uttered today in the Pulp Podcast. Learning from England, and not from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, that Italy would be ready to participate in a military plan to guarantee the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz is a very serious and disconcerting fact. President Meloni, are you taking Italy into war?”, conclude Bonelli and Fratoianni.