21.03.2026 00:02
After England, Belgium has also made its decision regarding the Hormuz coalition. The government announced that it would participate in a possible mission to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz only if a permanent ceasefire is established and an international framework is created. France, on the other hand, stated that it would not participate in any attempt to open Hormuz by using force.
Belgium has clarified its position regarding a possible military mission aimed at ensuring security in the Strait of Hormuz. The government stated that it could only participate in such a mission if a permanent ceasefire is established and an international framework is created.
CEASEFIRE CONDITION SET
According to the official news agency Belga, the cabinet meeting discussed the contribution to ensuring safe passage in the Strait of Hormuz alongside Germany, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. In the evaluation made after the meeting, it was stated that Belgium is only ready to contribute if the conditions of a "permanent ceasefire" and "clear international framework" are met.
FINAL DECISION DEPENDS ON CONDITIONS
The government announced that the final decision would be made after the aforementioned conditions are met. It was expressed that the scope of Belgium's possible contribution would be determined by evaluating all elements.
REQUESTS FROM THE GULF WERE ALSO DISCUSSED
During the cabinet meeting, military support requests from Oman, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Saudi Arabia were also addressed. It was decided to examine these requests in more detail.
DIPLOMATIC PROCESS TAKES PRIORITY
The Belgian government decided that the process would be conducted through the diplomatic network of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs rather than through military channels. Diplomats in the region are expected to clarify the scope of the requests and assess how Belgium can contribute beyond the military field.
FRANCE ALSO ANNOUNCED ITS DECISION
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that his country would not participate in any attempt to open the Strait of Hormuz by using force.
Macron, who held a press conference in Brussels during the European Union (EU) Leaders Summit, emphasized that France's stance in the Middle East is solely defense-oriented and noted that they aim to help reduce tensions in the region.
Macron stated that they called for a halt to attacks targeting civilian infrastructures, especially energy and hydraulic facilities, in the region and emphasized the need to protect the security of civilians' basic needs and energy supply.
AGAINST THE USE OF FORCE
Macron noted that during this festive period in the region, he wanted the guns to fall silent, to give a chance to a negotiated solution, and for the parties to agree to cease hostilities in the coming hours. He stated that once the situation in the region calms down, France is ready to take responsibility for escorting ships in the Strait of Hormuz with other countries.
Macron expressed that this would require the participation of actors in the maritime sector and discussions with Iran, stating that he would not participate in any attempt to open the Strait of Hormuz by using force in a context where bombings and attacks continue in the region.