A coalition of 22 countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, and South Korea, has announced a joint initiative to secure safe passage for commercial vessels through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The nations condemned Iran’s alleged blockade of the waterway and pledged coordinated efforts to maintain maritime security. The announcement came in a joint statement issued on Saturday, March 21, 2026.

The statement sharply criticized Iran’s recent actions in the Gulf region, including attacks on unarmed commercial ships and civilian infrastructure such as oil and gas facilities. The coalition accused Iranian forces of effectively blocking the strait, posing a serious threat to international trade and security. The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain also joined the initiative, though most participating nations are from Europe.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for global energy transport, carrying a significant share of the world’s oil supply. The reported Iranian blockade has raised fears of disruptions in global energy markets and potential instability in international shipping routes.