Europe and Japan Signal Willingness to Secure Strait of Hormuz as Tanker Traffic Resumes Selectively Amid Iran Conflict
As tensions continue to rise in the Gulf region, Europe and Japan have signalled their willingness to play a role in securing the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. The move comes at a time when tanker traffic through the strait has cautiously resumed, though only on a limited and highly selective basis. The renewed focus on the strait reflects growing global concern over disruptions caused by the ongoing Iran-related conflict. The narrow waterway, which connects the Persian Gulf to international waters, is responsible for transporting roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply, making any instability there a major threat to global energy markets.
In a joint statement, several European nations—including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands—along with Japan, condemned recent attacks on commercial vessels in the region. They expressed readiness to support international efforts aimed at ensuring safe navigation through the strait and stabilising global energy supplies. However, while these countries have indicated their willingness to assist, no concrete military deployment plans have been outlined so far. Instead, the emphasis appears to be on coordination, preparedness, and potential collaboration with allies to secure maritime routes if the situation deteriorates further. The measured approach reflects a desire to avoid direct military escalation while ensuring that vital shipping lanes remain open.
Recent maritime data suggests that the Strait of Hormuz has not been completely shut, despite earlier fears of a full blockade. Around 90 ships, including several oil tankers, managed to pass through the strait in the first half of March. Although this is significantly lower than normal traffic levels, it indicates that shipping has not entirely come to a halt. Experts describe the current situation as a selective transit system. Certain vessels, particularly those linked to Iran or countries maintaining diplomatic ties with Tehran, have been allowed to pass, while others face heightened risks or delays. In many cases, ships are relying on negotiations or informal arrangements to secure safe passage through the volatile zone, highlighting the complex web of diplomatic and commercial relationships that now govern movement through the strait.
The crisis began in late February following military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian targets, which triggered retaliatory actions and heightened tensions across the Gulf. Since then, the region has witnessed multiple attacks on commercial vessels, with at least 20 ships reportedly targeted. These incidents have forced shipping companies to reassess routes, delay voyages, or halt operations altogether. The impact on global trade and energy markets has been significant. Oil prices have surged, shipping insurance costs have soared, and freight rates have climbed sharply as operators factor in the risks of navigating through a conflict zone. The uncertainty has also prompted countries to consider alternative measures, such as releasing strategic petroleum reserves and increasing oil production from other regions to stabilise supply and cushion the blow to their economies.
Despite these challenges, Iran has continued to export oil during the conflict, with millions of barrels still reaching international markets. This has been made possible through selective access to the strait, as well as alternative trade arrangements with certain countries that have maintained economic ties with Tehran despite the broader geopolitical tensions. The persistence of Iranian oil exports underscores the limitations of current sanctions and interdiction efforts, while also illustrating the lengths to which both buyers and sellers will go to preserve the flow of energy resources.
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The evolving situation underscores the fragile balance between geopolitical tensions and global economic stability. While the partial resumption of tanker traffic offers some relief, the risks remain high, and the potential for further escalation continues to loom. Europe and Japan’s involvement highlights the increasingly international nature of the crisis. With so much of the world’s energy supply passing through the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring its security has become a shared global priority rather than a regional concern. As diplomatic and strategic efforts continue, the focus will remain on preventing a complete shutdown of the strait. For now, the cautious return of shipping activity offers a glimmer of hope, but the path to stability remains uncertain in one of the world’s most sensitive geopolitical flashpoints. The coming weeks will determine whether international coordination can effectively safeguard this vital waterway or whether the region slides further into conflict with far-reaching consequences for global energy markets.
