Netherlands, several allies agree to protect Strait of Hormuz after ceasefire
The Netherlands and several major allies will help protect the Strait of Hormuz following the ceasefire. The agreement includes the United States, Iran, and Israel, while a separate supporting statement was signed by the Netherlands, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Canada, Denmark, and Spain, along with EU leadership. Earlier in the day, The Royal Association of Dutch Shipowners (KVNR) said they were "relieved" by the ceasefire.
Prime Minister Rob Jetten and the other nine leaders said they “welcome the two‑week ceasefire agreed between the United States and Iran,” noting that they had previously made such a truce a condition for assisting in restarting navigation through the strategic waterway. Passage through the strait was virtually halted by Iran after U.S. and Israeli attacks began.
The ten leaders stated that the ceasefire and ongoing negotiations “could prevent a serious global energy crisis.” They added, “Our governments will work to safeguard free passage through the Strait of Hormuz.”
The KVNR says Dutch carriers are “relieved” by the recent ceasefire deal reached between the United States and Iran. The group believes the agreement has averted the feared escalation of tensions in the Gulf region.
The ceasefire does not automatically allow Dutch vessels to resume transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Still, the KNVR hopes that safe and open passage will be restored soon, reinstating the principle of mare liberum.
“The most important part of the so-called agreed ten-point plan for shipping concerns the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for civilian maritime traffic,” a spokesperson explained regarding Iran’s peace proposals, which are currently being discussed further with the U.S. “Because of the seemingly fragile nature of the ceasefire and the conditions for reopening, the KVNR is carefully monitoring further developments before taking any steps.”
The KVNR reported last month that about a hundred Dutch vessels are operating in the region, with over 500 crew members on board, including 100 Dutch nationals. International data indicate that several hundred ships in total are currently held up in the Persian Gulf. A previous tally by the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) estimates that around 20,000 seafarers are affected.