Following the announcement of a two-week ceasefire in the war in Iran, several nations have joined together to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
AD reports that the Netherlands joins Denmark, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Spain, France, and Italy in this mission. However, according to NOS, up to 15 countries are cooperating on reopening the Strait.
A joint statement was released this morning by PM Jetten and the other leaders involved: “Our Governments will contribute to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.”
What’s next?
Protecting navigation and naval passage through the Strait will be assisted by the 15 countries, including the Netherlands.
In earlier statements, Jetten declared this assistance could only be implemented in the case of a ceasefire and the end of any reciprocal attacks.
Once the safety of any naval missions can be assured, more specific plans and details can be sorted regarding the Dutch involvement in the Strait.
According to the NOS, Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen states that no request for assistance has yet been received by the Netherlands.
Berendsen reacts to the ceasefire
Berendsen commented on the ceasefire this morning.
Speaking with NOS, he stated that “we must be aware that if the Strait opens, the global economy will still suffer from it in the coming months — even if it remains open — and so will the Netherlands.”
Energy prices in the Netherlands have soared since the start of the war. While the opening of the Strait will offer temporary relief, Berendsen seems convinced that the impacts will linger.
In the joint statement, the need for diplomacy was made clear: “The goal must now be to negotiate a swift and lasting end to the war within the coming days. This can only be achieved through diplomatic means.”
What do you think of the latest developments? Let us know in the comments!
