Belgium asked to join efforts to secure Strait of Hormuz
Belgium has been asked to join an international initiative aimed at ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, government sources indicated on Thursday. The request, which follows a joint statement by six countries, is due to be discussed within the core cabinet on Friday.
Germany, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom said that they are willing to contribute to “appropriate measures to guarantee safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz”, a vital route for global shipping that has been severely disrupted by tensions with Iran.
According to diplomatic sources, the United Kingdom has since asked Belgium to support the initiative. It remains unclear what form the proposed measures would take, but the issue will be examined by the core cabinet alongside possible defensive military support for Gulf states.
Economic impact
Foreign minister Maxime Prévot warned that Belgium could be significantly affected by the situation, particularly through rising energy prices and potential shortages of key supplies such as fertilisers.
“This is not our war, but doing nothing is probably unsustainable. We cannot simply stand by and let it happen,” he said during question time in the Chamber.
Prévot stated that any Belgian participation would require clear conditions. “At least a mandate and a clearly defined objective are required.”
International pressure on Iran
In their joint statement, the six countries condemned what they described as serious attacks on unarmed commercial vessels and called on Iran to halt threats, the laying of naval mines and drone and missile strikes. They also urged an immediate end to any actions blocking the strait, which is crucial for global energy supplies.
The countries said they were prepared to cooperate on measures to ensure free and secure navigation, while also seeking to stabilise energy markets, including through coordination with oil- and gas-producing countries.
They further called for a complete halt to attacks on civilian infrastructure, such as oil and gas installations, and pledged support for the countries most affected, including through the United Nations and international financial institutions.
© PHOTO HOSSEIN FATEMI / MEI / SIPA
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