Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Italy have pledged their backing for a mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz in the wake of a US-Iran agreement. The four nations released a joint statement emphasising the critical importance of reopening the waterway with full and unrestricted navigation rights.
In their statement, Chancellor Friedrich Merz, President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni underlined that restoring the strait's function represents a chance to rebuild stability across the region and shore up the global economy. They indicated their readiness to contribute through a strictly defensive and autonomous operation aimed at protecting merchant vessels and clearing mines from the waters.
European capitals had previously signalled their willingness to support the secure reopening of the strait once all hostilities ceased. The four leaders reiterated their firm position that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons, while expressing readiness to expedite the implementation of the agreement through rapid and thorough negotiations.
The statement also hinted at the possibility of sanctions relief in the future, contingent on Iran demonstrating clear and verifiable compliance with its nuclear obligations. The European powers view the current moment as a critical juncture for advancing both regional peace and international economic stability.
