The number of countries joining the joint declaration, signed in recent days, initially by 6 countries, to guarantee safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, has reached 22, condemning Iran's closure of this vital sea route.
"We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to guarantee safe passage through the strait ," the document, already signed by 22 countries, states.
The initiative was initially taken by the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Japan; it has since been joined by Canada, South Korea, New Zealand, Denmark, Latvia, Slovenia, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, the Czech Republic, Romania and Lithuania, as well as Australia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.
Although they have expressed their willingness to unblock Hormuz, the countries that have joined this initiative have not specifically stated in what form they will engage.
In recent days, NATO allies have been criticized by US President Donald Trump, who has labeled them 'cowards' for deciding not to engage militarily in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump also demanded a commitment from China in this area, arguing that it is not the US that benefits from the maritime transport of fuel passing through Hormuz, but mainly European countries and official Beijing.
