Iran's Hormuz blockade prompts international planning for safe passage
Six major powers including Britain, France, Germany, and Japan have announced they are preparing to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz after Iran's attacks on commercial vessels paralyzed shipping through the vital oil route. The alliance condemned Iran's recent strikes on 23 commercial ships, including 10 tankers, and called for an immediate end to threats, mine-laying, and attacks that have stranded 20,000 seafarers on 3,200 vessels west of the strait. While the US urged immediate reopening, allies rejected short-term military involvement due to the high threat level, instead committing to planning and option development with US Central Command. The situation has disrupted a fifth of global crude oil and LNG shipments through the strategic waterway.