WASHINGTON — The leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement Thursday condemning Iran’s attacks on commercial vessels and energy infrastructure across the Gulf — warning the escalating conflict threatens global energy supplies.

“We call on Iran to cease immediately its threats, laying of mines, drone and missile attacks, and other attempts to block the Strait [of Hormuz] to commercial shipping,” read the statement, issued by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office.

The announcement comes after President Trump pushed for allied nations to take a more active role in safeguarding the Strait of Hormuz — a narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea, through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.

Trump has long argued that the US shoulders too much of the burden in protecting global shipping lanes and has called on European and Asian partners to contribute naval resources and security operations in the region.

“The United States of America has beaten and completely decimated Iran, both militarily, economically, and in every other way, but the Countries of the World that receive Oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage, and we will help — A LOT!” the president wrote in a Truth Social post on March 14.

“The US will also coordinate with those Countries so that everything goes quickly, smoothly, and well. This should have always been a team effort, and now it will be — It will bring the World together toward Harmony, Security, and Everlasting Peace!” 

The six nations said they “condemn in the strongest terms” Iran’s strikes on unarmed commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations, as well as what they described as the “de facto closure” of the critical maritime chokepoint by Iranian forces.

“Freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law, including under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” the leaders added.

They also warned the fallout from the attacks “will be felt by people in all parts of the world, especially the most vulnerable.”

The countries said interference with international shipping and disruptions to global energy supply chains pose “a threat to international peace and security.”

“… In this regard, we call for an immediate comprehensive moratorium on attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations,” the statement continued.

The leaders also said they were prepared to take action to secure the vital shipping route.

“We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait. We welcome the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning.”

They further backed efforts to stabilize global energy markets, including a coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves authorized by the International Energy Agency and outreach to oil-producing nations to boost output.

They also pledged support for nations most affected by the disruptions, including through the United Nations and international financial institutions.

The Middle East conflict has caused average US gas prices to surge nearly a full dollar to $3.88 per gallon as of Thursday, up from $2.93 one month ago, according to AAA.

Trump last week ordered the release of 172 million barrels from the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the biggest such drain in American history.