Five European nations and Japan announced on Thursday that they are prepared to contribute to efforts to ensure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz amidst the war with Iran.

In a joint statement, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan strongly condemned Iran's recent actions, stating, "We strongly condemn Iran's recent attacks on unarmed merchant vessels in the Persian Gulf, its attacks on civilian infrastructure including oil and gas facilities, and its effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces."

In their statement, the countries expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict, urging Iran to immediately cease its threats, mine-laying, drone and missile attacks, and all other attempts to block the passage of merchant vessels through the strait, and to comply with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817.

They added, "We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the strait, and we welcome the commitment of countries participating in the preparatory planning."

Since the attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran last month, Iran has repeatedly attacked the energy infrastructure of Gulf countries and threatened ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global oil supplies.

Earlier this week, President Trump urged seven countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, Britain, and France, to provide naval support for the protection of the strait. China has made its opposition clear, while South Korea is reportedly still undecided.

President Trump stated, "We strongly encourage other countries that are much more economically dependent on the strait than we are to come and help us." He also said, "Once the war is over, oil-importing nations must take responsibility for the security of Hormuz."

President Trump had previously warned that NATO members could face serious consequences if they refused to provide support.

US NNP=Sung Ku Hong, Chief Editor / Special Correspondent for this paper NNP info@newsandpost.com