Netherlands to join French-led Strait of Hormuz naval mission

Dutch government expected to formally announce move on Friday

Denmark, Italy and have also expressed interest in joining the French-led initiative. AFP

The Netherlands will contribute a ship to a French-led naval mission in the Strait of Hormuz for six months starting in January, officials said on Monday.

France has pushed for a European alliance in the Strait of Hormuz after ruling out joining a US-led coalition protecting oil tankers and cargo ships from Iranian threats in the waterway.

French Defence Minister Florence Parly said on Saturday that the initiative could start early next year and about 10 European and non-European governments would join, pending approval from their parliaments.

The Dutch government is expected to formally announce its contribution to the French-led mission on Friday, Dutch news agency ANP said.

Denmark, Italy and Spain are among countries that have expressed interest in joining the French-led initiative.

This year there have been tanker attacks in the strait, which the US blamed on Iran.

Tehran has denied being behind the attacks on vessels in major shipping lanes off the coast of the UAE in May, which aggravated tensions between the US and Iran.

Britain, Australia and several Gulf states have joined the US-led naval coalition.