G7 leaders agreed to examine option of escorting ships to navigate freely in Gulf

G7 leaders are exploring the option of escorting ships in the Gulf to ensure safe navigation amid tensions from the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, while assessing impacts on energy and shipping security.

Michel Rose/Reuters

March 12, 2026

G7 leaders agreed to examine option of escorting ships to navigate freely in Gulf

French President Emmanuel Macron chairs a video conference of G7 leaders to discuss the fallout of the war in Iran on the world economy, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, March 11, 2026.

Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters

The leaders of the G7 group of nations - the United States, Canada, Japan, Italy, Britain, Germany and France - agreed to examine the option of providing escort for ships so they can navigate freely in the Gulf, said a statement from the G7 Presidency on Wednesday.

The statement was issued after French President Emmanuel Macron had convened a call with G7 leaders to discuss the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and its impact on rising energy prices.

"In this regard, a working group has been set up to explore the possibility of escorting ships when the right security conditions are in place, and this will also come along with approaches made to shipping companies, transport companies and insurers," said the statement.

-Michel Rose/Reuters