Netherlands joins plan to protect shipping in Strait of Hormuz

The Netherlands has said it is ready to join other countries to protect ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been blockaded by Iran since the US and Israel began its bombing campaign.

Six countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and Japan, issued a joint statement on Thursday condemning Iran’s actions, saying it violated United Nations resolutions and international law.

“We express our deep concern about the escalating conflict,” the statement said. “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.”

The joint statement gave no indication of how soon a fleet could be assembled or how it would operate. But it said Iran’s actions were having an impact on people in nations around the world, “especially the most vulnerable”.

“We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait. We welcome the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning.”

The statement made no mention of the ongoing campaign by the US and Israel to strike targets in Iran and the Strait, which has been criticised by EU leaders.

German chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Wednesday there was “no convincing plan for how this operation could succeed” and his country would not use military means to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.

Earlier on Thursday, Jetten also appeared to rule out sending European forces to the Strait, saying it was “too risky”.

“We’re not part of this war,” Jetten told reporters ahead of the meeting of EU leaders in Brussels. “The Netherlands, together with France and other countries, is ready to protect our European partners, but we have had no clear request for a mission.”