Lithuania has received a US invitation to join a coalition aimed at restoring commercial shipping in the blocked Strait of Hormuz, President Gitanas Nausėda said.
“We have received a proposal from the United States of America to join the coalition for the restoration of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz; I intend to submit this proposal to the State Defence Council shortly,” Nausėda told reporters.
He added that a mandate from the Lithuanian parliament, the Seimas, would also be required for Lithuania to participate in such missions.
Nausėda said ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz would be a peaceful mission.
“We stand in solidarity and we certainly understand that we must not only demand and take, but also give,” he said.
The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial thoroughfare for global oil trade, has been blocked by Iran in response to unprovoked attacks by Israel and the US. Still, President Nausėda described Iran as an “active helper of Russia in the war of aggression against Ukraine” and insisted that actions or pressure against it are important for regional stability and security.
The United States is seeking to assemble a new international coalition to ensure the resumption of commercial shipping through the strategic waterway. The US State Department is urging allies to join a so-called Maritime Freedom Framework designed to coordinate actions and share information.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the initiative would be a US-led grouping focused on diplomatic coordination and enforcing sanctions compliance.
Newsletter
Every Friday morning.
