The United Arab Emirates and Australia have become the two latest countries to announce support for efforts to guarantee the security of the Strait of Hormuz, though it remains unclear what form this security arrangement will take.
On 21 Mar 2026, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Australia became the latest countries to express their intention to support efforts to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, in a joint statement that now includes 22 participating countries.
On Thursday (19 Mar), the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan issued a joint statement condemning Iranian attacks on commercial vessels and added that they are ready to support "appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the strait."
However, it remains unclear at this time what form the efforts to secure this vital waterway will take.
On Saturday morning, South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed their willingness to join, while Bahrain became the first Gulf country to sign the statement on Friday (20 Mar). However, both the United States and China have not yet expressed official support for the statement.
Previously, US President Donald Trump called on allies to send warships and mine-sweeping vessels to help secure the Strait of Hormuz to boost confidence in the global oil market, but no country has formally committed.
Later, he strongly criticized NATO allies for not assisting the US and called NATO member states "cowards" for not helping secure the strait.
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Source:cnn