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• 5 min read • Worldwide

European Leaders and Japan Ready to Help Secure Strait of Hormuz as Energy Crisis Deepens

Seven major economies — the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, and Canada — issued a joint statement expressing readiness to contribute to efforts ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as the Iran conflict sends oil prices soaring and threatens global energy stability.

Introduction

As the Iran conflict escalates and threatens to choke off one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, seven major economies have signaled their willingness to help. The United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, and Canada issued a joint statement on March 19, 2026, expressing their readiness to “contribute to appropriate efforts” to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

The statement comes amid soaring energy prices and growing fears of a global economic shock, but stops short of committing military forces to the conflict.

The Joint Statement

The seven nations — five European powers plus Japan and Canada — released a coordinated statement that struck a careful balance:

  • Readiness to help: They “express readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait”
  • Condemnation of Iran: Demanded Iran “cease immediately” its drone and missile attacks on shipping and attempts to block the waterway
  • Call for de-escalation: Urged all parties to exercise “maximum restraint”
  • No military commitment: The statement deliberately avoids promising troops or naval assets

The careful wording reflects the political sensitivities in Europe, where there is little public appetite for joining another Middle Eastern war.

European Hesitation on Military Action

Despite the strong words, European leaders have been clear about their reluctance to get directly involved militarily:

Germany: Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany would only commit to keeping shipping lanes clear “when the weapons fall silent.” Any deployment would require an international mandate, he added.

Austria: Chancellor Christian Stocker was blunt: “Europe — and Austria as well — will not allow itself to be blackmailed” into joining the US-Israeli military campaign. “Intervention in the Strait of Hormuz is not an option for Austria.”

EU broadly: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said there is “no appetite” among leaders to expand European naval forces to help secure the Strait.

Spain: Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the war “illegal” and warned of the damage to civilians and refugees, as well as economic consequences for the Global South.

The Energy Crisis Driving Action

What’s pushing reluctant European leaders to engage is the economic threat:

  • Oil prices surging: The conflict has sent global oil prices to record highs
  • Natural gas disruption: Attacks on regional energy facilities have knocked out significant LNG export capacity
  • Inflation fears: Energy price spikes threaten already fragile European economies
  • Industrial impact: German manufacturers and other heavy industries face rising costs

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever captured the anxiety: “We are very worried about the energy crisis. If that becomes structural, we’re in deep trouble.”

What “Appropriate Efforts” Might Mean

The statement’s phrase “appropriate efforts” is deliberately vague, but could encompass:

  1. Naval escorts: European or Japanese warships accompanying commercial vessels through the Strait
  2. Mine clearing: Assistance with minesweeping operations if Iran has mined the waterway
  3. Diplomatic pressure: Coordinated sanctions and diplomatic initiatives
  4. Economic support: Helping stabilize energy markets and reduce price volatility
  5. Post-conflict security: Planning for peacekeeping or monitoring once fighting stops

Japan’s Strategic Stake

Japan’s inclusion in the joint statement is significant. As one of the world’s largest oil importers, Japan is acutely vulnerable to Hormuz disruptions. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba met with US President Donald Trump as the crisis unfolded, with Trump noting that Japan was “stepping up to the plate” to support US efforts.

Japan’s participation signals that even traditionally pacifist nations are being drawn into the geopolitical consequences of the conflict.

EU’s 27-Nation Position

Separately, all 27 EU member states issued their own statement through the European Council:

  • Called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
  • Demanded a moratorium on strikes on water and energy infrastructure
  • Expressed concern about “far-reaching impact” on economic stability
  • Asked Iran to stop striking neighbors across the Persian Gulf
  • Sought international cooperation to prevent refugee crises

The unified EU position reflects the bloc’s concern about both immediate energy shocks and longer-term regional instability.

What Happens Next?

The joint statement is more of a diplomatic signal than an action plan. Key questions remain:

  • Will any nation actually deploy forces? Germany says no during active combat; UK and France have been noncommittal
  • What does the US want? Trump has mentioned NATO support but has not made official requests
  • Can diplomacy work? European leaders are pushing for de-escalation, but the conflict shows no signs of slowing
  • How high will prices go? Markets are watching nervously as each day of disruption compounds the economic damage

Why This Matters Globally

The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly 20% of global oil consumption. Even a partial blockage sends shockwaves through:

  • Fuel prices at the pump worldwide
  • Manufacturing costs for energy-intensive industries
  • Food prices as fertilizer and transport costs rise
  • Developing economies already struggling with debt and inflation

The willingness of major economies to engage — even reluctantly — shows how high the stakes have become.

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