Europe pledges support for Strait of Hormuz reopening mission

BERLIN: Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Italy have said they are committed to supporting the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz following the announcement of an agreement between the United States and Iran.

The urgent reopening of the strait with “unconditional and unrestricted freedom of navigation is essential,” German chancellor Friedrich Merz, French president Emmanuel Macron, British prime minister Keir Starmer and Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni said in a joint statement, reported German news agency dpa.

“We are committed to playing our part to achieve this – in accordance with our respective constitutional requirements – including through a strictly defensive and independent mission to reassure commercial shipping and conduct mine clearance operations.”

“This is a moment of opportunity to restore regional stability and stabilise the global economy.”

Germany and other European partners had already signalled before the announcement of the agreement with Iran that they were in principle willing to support the safe reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after an end to all hostilities.

The leaders reaffirmed that Iran must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon.

“It is now vital that the detailed negotiations are concluded and this agreement is implemented rapidly and comprehensively. We are ready to support that effort,” the statement said.

The four countries also held out the prospect of lifting relevant sanctions at a later stage, provided Iran takes clear and verifiable steps regarding its nuclear programme.