PM Jetten urges faster preparations for Hormuz mission after reopening

Prime Minister Rob Jetten said preparations for a mission in the Strait of Hormuz need to be stepped up so participating countries can act quickly once a lasting ceasefire is secured. Speaking at his weekly press conference on Friday, he added that he had earlier joined a videoconference with almost 50 countries involved in the international coalition. The Strait of Hormuz had earlier been closed by Iran, but Tehran announced on Friday that it has now been reopened.

Not all countries in the coalition want or are able to provide military equipment for the mission. “Several countries are focusing more on diplomatic pressure on Iran, shaping possible additional economic sanctions if necessary, and ensuring that the entire logistics chain in the Strait of Hormuz gets back up and running,” Jetten said.

Jetten said more details on specific contributions are expected next week. The Netherlands has already signalled its willingness to take part militarily, potentially by deploying a minehunter or a frigate, according to the Cabinet. “The Netherlands is working very actively with the British and the French on the military planning.”

China joined the virtual meeting for the first time, Jetten noted, stressing that freedom of navigation is equally vital for Beijing. “In Asia, too, there are a number of very important trade routes that could be heavily affected if this becomes the new normal, and fortunately, the Chinese do not want that either.”

The prime minister said it remains uncertain whether China’s involvement will help secure a UN mandate for the mission. While he noted that such a mandate would be preferable, he said alternatives could be pursued through the European Union or Gulf states. “I think China’s presence mainly shows that it can and should exert pressure on the Iranians.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also took part in the call. Jetten noted that Ukraine has built significant expertise in the use of drones and counter-drone tactics during its war with Russia. “Alongside the major military assets European countries can contribute, this kind of smart capability is also essential,” he said. He added that Ukraine could potentially receive financial backing from Gulf states in exchange.