France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, Denmark, Greece and Italy announced their political support for the establishment of a European maritime observation mission in the Strait of Hormuz, which has been witnessing severe tension for months, amid fears of an Iranian-American confrontation.
A statement of the eight countries - published by the French Foreign Ministry on Monday - said that the aim of this mission is to ensure a safe environment for maritime navigation and alleviate the current regional tensions, noting that the process will take place in full respect of the law of the sea.
He added that the mission would be based in the Emirates, and would enable freedom of navigation, coordination and information to be shared, as well as reduce tension.
This comes in the context of European concern about what the statement described as the dangers of a major conflict, with repercussions for the entire region.
In response to attacks targeting oil tankers and cargo ships in the Gulf, Washington sought to form a broad international alliance but was able to include only six other countries, including Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, Australia and Britain, to a "defensive" naval mission called "Sentinel" which includes the Gulf waters, the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman And the door to the delegate.
While European countries refrained from joining the new US-led coalition, Iran considered that it and the countries of the region were able to secure maritime navigation without the need for a foreign presence.
Al-Jazeera correspondent Mohammed Al-Baqqali said that the statement did not specify the nature of the mission, adding that agreement to support it indicates a European consensus on this issue, while the proposal did not meet unanimously when it was presented months ago.
He explained that the recent events in the Middle East - in the context of the tension between Tehran and Washington - contributed to this consensus.
The correspondent stated that the term of the mission is broad and does not know what exactly it is intended, noting a previous dispute between France and Germany about the deployment of a military force in the Strait of Hormuz.
The agreement on the term, according to Al-Jazeera correspondent, came as a solution to overcome differences in this regard, adding that the French, by virtue of their mediation in the Iranian file, only confirm their desire to establish a mission because otherwise would arouse Tehran's anger.
The reporter also mentioned recent steps taken by France, including the announcement of sending the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the eastern Mediterranean in support of the international coalition against the Islamic State, and the deployment of a radar system east of the Saudi coast to protect it from potential risks.