Canada Endorses Allies' Strait of Hormuz Support

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney has endorsed a joint statement from international allies expressing readiness to support efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, more than two weeks into the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran, as the conflict disrupts global energy supplies and drives up fuel prices.

The endorsement came Thursday, shortly after the statement was issued by the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan. The document states: "We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait. We welcome the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning." It does not specify the form of assistance the countries might provide.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the world's oil and gas transits, has seen limited traffic since Iran imposed restrictions in response to U.S. and Israeli airstrikes launched on its territory last month. Iran has also targeted major fuel shipping sites in the Gulf region, including a liquefied natural gas complex in Qatar, contributing to sharp spikes in global oil prices. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand condemned these Iranian...