Canada has signed on to a joint statement by the leaders of seven countries calling on Iran to immediately cease all attempts to block the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping and expressing a readiness to contribute to efforts to reopen the Strait.
The statement does not say how the countries might help, although Defence Minister David McGuinty said Canada is “considering” aiding Iran’s neighbours if they seek assistance from the NATO alliance.
Iran has effectively blocked the strait since the United States and Israel launched their attack on the country on Feb. 28. About one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply normally moves through the strait.
“The disruption of global energy supply chains constitute a threat to international peace and security,” the joint statement said.
“We call for an immediate comprehensive moratorium on attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations.”
Canada signed on to the statement shortly after it was published by the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan. In addition, the leaders say they are ready to “contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the strait.”
CBC News reached out to the Prime Minister’s Office to get clarity on what kind of contribution Canada would be in a position to offer. A spokesperson from Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand replied, saying in an email that “any potential support would be guided by the needs on the ground, Canada’s legal and policy frameworks, and ongoing consultations with partners and allies.”
U.S. President Donald Trump’s pleas for support in the Strait of Hormuz are being dismissed by his allies, leaving the nation largely alone to fight Iran’s tight grip on the key sea passage. Retired vice-admiral Mark Norman discusses the approach by U.S. allies and whether the U.S. could secure the strait by itself.
European countries have thus far indicated they will only get involved in the strait if there are efforts to de-escalate the situation and end the strikes.
Iran intensified its attacks on oil and natural gas facilities around the Persian Gulf on Thursday, further sending shock waves through the global economy.
Efforts to bypass the Strait of Hormuz have also been targeted. An Iranian drone hit a Saudi refinery on the Red Sea that the country had been hoping to use as an alternative exit route.