Belgium Supports British-French Plan to Clear Mines in Strait of Hormuz

Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken said Brussels supports a joint British-French plan to remove mines from the Strait of Hormuz to ensure freedom of navigation. Francken told Al Jazeera that European nations have a responsibility to support Gulf countries facing Iranian aggression.

He added that the strait must be reopened so gas and oil exports can continue and that European states have the technical capacity and experience to clear naval mines. Francken stated that Iran’s aggression against Gulf states has to end. He said it is essential that NATO stays united, warning that the alliance will collapse if it becomes fragmented.

Francken called for continued dialogue and an end to public criticism among NATO member states. The deputy spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the United Nations wants diplomatic efforts between the parties to continue. Farhan Haq stated that the UN does not focus too much on rhetoric from any side and appreciates Pakistan’s role as a mediator.

He added that a return to full-scale fighting would be catastrophic and described the current situation as untenable given the lack of freedom of movement in the Strait of Hormuz.

Cahill, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center, said California already has the highest gasoline prices in the United States because of state taxes, regulations and recent refinery closures. Cahill told Al Jazeera that the war and closure of the Strait of Hormuz have added pressure on prices. He noted that prices could go up further from current levels.

UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher reported more than 100 strikes on Lebanon in 24 hours, with civilians killed and families displaced. Fletcher said aid efforts are ongoing but cannot replace a genuine ceasefire. The United States imposed a new round of sanctions targeting three individuals and companies linked to Iran, including nine firms some of which are based in Hong Kong.

Separately, the European Union agreed on sanctions against Israeli settlers. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office condemned the measures, saying sanctioning Jews for living in Judea and Samaria is unacceptable and that Israel will protect the rights of Jews to live in the heart of its ancestral homeland.

Irish lawmakers Barry Andrews and Billy Kelleher welcomed the EU sanctions as an initial step but called for stronger measures. Both urged review and possible suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, enforcement of labelling and banning of settler products, and an end to research cooperation.