The European Union has sounded the alarm over escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, warning that threats to one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes are intensifying. Commissioner Tzitzikostas welcomed a decision by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) condemning Iran’s threats and attacks against civilian vessels and their crews.
According to the EU, such incidents pose a serious risk both to the safety of seafarers and to the smooth functioning of global trade. The Council of IMO called for a coordinated approach to security, as well as international coordination of the response.
Coalition of the willing
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime artery through which a significant share of the world’s oil supplies flows. Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas last Friday warned against any attempts to restrict or disrupt navigation in the area.
“Exercise of navigational rights and freedoms by merchant and commercial vessels, in accordance with international law, must be respected,” he said. He also pointed to conclusions adopted by the European Council, which stressed the need to safeguard freedom of navigation and ensure security in the region.
At the same time, a new ‘coalition of the willing’ has emerged among like-minded states. Initiated by Italy, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Japan, the group has expressed its readiness to “contribute to the efforts needed to ensure safe passage through the Strait”, according to a joint statement. Brussels and its partners are thus sending a clear signal that any threat to international shipping in this strategic waterway is unacceptable.
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Iran has threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz as military strikes by the US and Israel against targets prompted Tehran’s retaliatory responses. The country has effectively curtailed traffic through the Strait, although it maintains that directs its actions solely at hostile vessels.
One fifth of world’s oil
Linking the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea, the Strait is one of the world’s most critical shipping routes, with roughly a fifth of global oil supplies passing through it. Any disruption therefore raises immediate concerns over rising energy prices and broader regional instability.
The waterway has long been a flashpoint. Tanker seizures, attacks on commercial shipping and military incidents have often occurred in response to Western sanctions or political pressure.
