On 12 July 2026, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office published a joint E3 statement, with the page identifying the E3 as the UK, France and Germany. The text condemns Iranian attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and on Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Jordan. (gov.uk)
The legal framing is deliberate. GOV.UK says the three governments regard respect for sovereignty over territorial seas and freedom of navigation as fundamental principles of international law, which places the statement squarely in the language of maritime law as well as foreign policy. (gov.uk)
The immediate policy objective is the restoration of normal passage. The E3 reaffirm support for the swift and full resumption of international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and pair that demand with full solidarity for Gulf and regional partners affected by the attacks. (gov.uk)
The statement also avoids presenting maritime security as a stand-alone issue. It couples condemnation of the attacks with a call for the resumption of the ceasefire and of negotiations, indicating that the E3 position is built around de-escalation as well as deterrence. (gov.uk)
For officials and policy watchers, the significance is in the structure of the message. The text links attacks on shipping, attacks on neighbouring states, sovereignty over territorial seas and freedom of navigation in one short diplomatic formula. It does not set out fresh sanctions, military measures or enforcement steps, but it does establish the principles the E3 say should guide the response. (gov.uk)
Read as a diplomatic signal, the GOV.UK release is straightforward. The UK, France and Germany are using a concise statement to restate legal norms at sea, show support for Gulf partners and argue that reopening the Strait of Hormuz should sit alongside a renewed ceasefire and negotiations. (gov.uk)