G7 considers escorting ships as Iran war disrupts supply chains

On March 11, representatives of the Group of Seven — Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, as well as the European Union — held a videoconference to discuss the economic consequences of the war in the Middle East.

According to a press release published following the meeting, the group is examining the “possibility of escorting ships when security conditions permit,” as the war with Iran is disrupting supply chains and threatening maritime shipping, CNN reports.

Any such efforts will be “accompanied by discussions with shipping companies, carriers, and insurers.”

According to two sources familiar with U.S. intelligence, Iran has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz — a key route for global energy supplies — including by mining the waterway.

The Group of Seven will seek to coordinate its actions with countries of the Persian Gulf regarding the economic consequences of the war, including its impact on farmers and food security, the statement said.

“This situation also highlights the importance of pursuing an agenda of energy independence and electrification, in order to reduce our dependence on geopolitical upheavals,” the press release concluded.

By Khagan Isayev