Finance
Joint Statement on Strait of Hormuz by European Nations and Japan
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 19, 2026
3 min readLast updated: March 19, 2026
Quick Summary
Europe (UK, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands) and Japan jointly condemned Iran’s recent attacks and threats disrupting the Strait of Hormuz, pledged support for maritime security, backed a coordinated IEA strategic reserve oil release, and announced plans to stabilise energy markets through incre
European Nations and Japan Commit to Security in Strait of Hormuz and Energy Market Stability
Joint Statement on Security and Energy Market Stability
Background and Recent Events
LONDON, March 19 (Reuters) - Leading European nations and Japan issued a joint statement on Thursday saying they were ready to join appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and would take steps to stabilise energy markets.
This is the full text of the statement from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan:
Condemnation of Attacks and Escalating Conflict
We condemn in the strongest terms recent attacks by Iran on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, attacks on civilian infrastructure including oil and gas installations, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces.
We express our deep concern about the escalating conflict. 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, and to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817.
International Law and Freedom of Navigation
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 by people in all parts of the world, especially the most vulnerable.
Call for International Action and Moratorium
Consistent with UNSC Resolution 2817, we emphasise that such interference with international shipping and the disruption of global energy supply chains constitute a threat to international peace and security. In this regard, we call for an immediate comprehensive moratorium on attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations.
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.
Measures to Stabilise Energy Markets
We welcome the International Energy Agency decision to authorise a coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves. We will take other steps to stabilise energy markets, including working with certain producing nations to increase output.
We will also work to provide support for the most affected nations, including through the United Nations and the IFIs (International Financial Institutions).
Conclusion: Upholding International Prosperity and Security
Maritime security 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.
(Reporting by Muvija M; editing by William James)
Key Takeaways
- •The joint statement strongly condemns Iran’s attacks on commercial vessels and critical energy infrastructure, and calls for compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 2817 adopted on 11 March 2026 (en.wikipedia.org).
- •The International Energy Agency approved an unprecedented 400 million barrel coordinated release from strategic reserves; Japan and European nations will contribute individually to this effort to stabilise energy markets (euronews.com).
- •The statement includes readiness to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and support for affected countries via the UN and international financial institutions (apnews.com)
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Joint statement on Strait of Hormuz by European nations and Japan
1Which countries issued the joint statement on the Strait of Hormuz?
Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan issued the joint statement.
2What actions did the statement condemn?
The statement condemned Iranian attacks on unarmed commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure, and the de facto closure of the Strait.
3What steps are being taken to stabilise energy markets?
The nations support coordinated release of petroleum reserves and will work with producers to increase energy output.
4What is the main message regarding maritime security?
The joint statement highlights support for safe passage, freedom of navigation, and calls for adherence to international law.
5How do these measures help global stability?
Securing the Strait of Hormuz and stabilising energy markets ensure the safety of supply chains and support international prosperity.
