Seven countries, including major European nations, Japan and Canada, issued a joint statement condemning Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. However, because it did not include military support, some said it was a move to soothe U.S. President Donald Trump's complaints.
On the 19th, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan and Canada said in a joint statement, "We condemn in the strongest terms the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces." They said disruption to the energy supply chain threatens international peace and security and urged an immediate halt to the laying of mines and drone and missile attacks.
They also said they are "ready to contribute appropriate efforts to secure safe passage" and welcomed participation by other countries. They expressed support for the International Energy Agency (IEA)'s decision on a coordinated release of strategic reserves and said they will take additional steps to stabilize energy markets, including working with major oil producers to expand output.
However, the statement did not include support for military assets such as dispatching warships, which Trump had requested. For this reason, some interpreted the statement as an effort to ease Trump's displeasure after allies showed a lukewarm attitude toward forming the so-called "Hormuz escort coalition."
The U.S. online outlet Axios said, "The statement does not include any commitments to provide naval vessels or other resources," adding, "For now, it is seen more as a gesture to mollify President Trump, who has publicly complained that allies are not joining the defense of the Strait of Hormuz."
The joint statement was initially issued in the name of six countries, but Canada later joined.