Italy, Germany and France offer help with Hormuz only after ceasefireBritain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the Netherlands say they are ready "to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz" post-ceasefire. Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the Netherlands said on Thursday they were ready "to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz". But Italy, Germany and France made clear later Thursday that they were not talking about any immediate military help, but rather a potential multilateral initiative after a ceasefire. The situation has left around 20,000 seafarers stranded on approximately 3,200 vessels west of the strait, according to the International Maritime Organization. Not a 'war mission'US President Donald Trump has urged other world powers, and Nato, to help reopen the Hormuz Strait to commercial shipping.

Source: Bangkok Post March 20, 2026 11:22 UTC