The protection of ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz was the focus of a phone call between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. A Downing Street spokesperson said London “is working with its allies on a range of options to support commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as the threat environment evolves.”

That wording was intended to clarify the UK government statement that Meloni, Merz and Starmer agreed on the “vital importance of freedom of navigation” in the Strait and “agreed to work closely together in the coming days in light of Iranian threats.” However, it was interpreted as signaling openness to a “naval escort” to protect merchant vessels that in recent days have been unable to transit Hormuz because of the conflict.

“It is not a practicable option at this stage,” informed sources told Adnkronos, warning that such a mission could become a “pull factor” for attacks on ships, turning them into targets for Iran. Gulf states have conveyed similar cautions to European partners, as seen in ongoing contacts between the Italian government and its regional counterparts.

During last night’s call, Downing Street reported, Starmer also briefed the other two leaders “on defensive measures being taken by the United Kingdom in the region in recent days, in support of partners in the Gulf,” while the prime minister, together with Merz and Meloni, stressed “the need for continued cooperation in the face of the escalating situation” and agreed to remain in close contact over the coming days.

The conversation followed a March 6 phone call, earlier reported by Downing Street, between the prime ministers of Italy and the United Kingdom, the German chancellor and French President Emmanuel Macron, who, the Elysee said, did not participate last night “because he was engaged on the aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle.”

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