Six nations have jointly condemned Iran’s actions in the Persian Gulf, including attacks on commercial vessels, civilian infrastructure such as oil and gas facilities, and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces.
The coordinated statement expresses “deep concern over the escalation of conflict” and urges Iran to cease threats, laying mines, drone and missile attacks, and attempts to impede commercial shipping through the vital waterway. The countries called on Iran to adhere to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817.
All six countries affirmed their “readiness to contribute to relevant efforts to ensure safe passage through the strait,” and welcomed commitments from nations involved in preparatory planning. However, the statement did not detail how each country intends to contribute to security efforts.
Earlier, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany stated that a war with Iran was not a priority for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and therefore declined to participate in military action. This position drew sharp criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who called on NATO member states to help secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz. As of March 19, 2026, Estonia is the only country to respond positively to Trump’s request, offering to deploy troops.
