G7 discusses escort plan for ships in the Persian Gulf

The leaders of the G7 group, the United States, Canada, Japan, Italy, Britain, Germany and France, have agreed to explore the possibility of providing escorts to ships so they can sail freely in the Persian Gulf, according to a G7 presidency statement released on Wednesday.

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

‘In this context, a working group has been set up to explore the possibility of escorting ships when appropriate security conditions are met. This will include discussions with shipping companies, transport companies and insurance companies,’ the statement said.

(reuters, luc)