Foreign allies appear to be backpedaling on their refusal to help the U.S. secure the Strait of Hormuz, as President Donald Trump has expressed his frustration with the international community for not stepping up.
In a joint statement from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, the nations condemned Iranian attacks against commercial vessels in and around the Persian Gulf, as well as “civilian infrastructure including oil and gas installations,” leading to the closure of the vital commercial strait.
“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,” the joint statement read.
The nations argue that the attacks violate international law, calling for the Islamic Republic to abide by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. They also claim “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,” the statement said. “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.”
The statement comes on the heels of Trump putting international pressure on countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, and NATO nations, to step in and help secure the strait, which connects the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
The president has underscored that Japan imports about 95% of its oil from the region, with China close behind at 90% and South Korea receiving about 35%, while the U.S. imports less than 1% from the Strait of Hormuz.
On Thursday morning, Trump welcomed Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, to the White House.
In the last few days, the president has voiced his disappointment in NATO countries’ reluctance to do more to secure the strait – claiming at times that the U.S. doesn’t need NATO.
On Tuesday, The Center Square asked the president in the Oval Office whether he is rethinking the U.S.’s relationship with NATO.
“Well, I’m disappointed in NATO that we spend trillions of dollars on NATO. Think of it, trillions over the years … It’s one of the reasons we have deficits and we help other countries when they don’t help us,” Trump told The Center Square. “I mean, it’s certainly something that we should think about. I don’t need Congress for that decision … I can make that decision myself.”
The president reiterated his frustration with NATO Thursday morning, saying that NATO is “getting much nicer” since his comments. Though Trump indicated it may not be enough. “As far as I’m concerned, it’s too late.”
