France and Britain have announced plans to spearhead a multinational naval mission aimed at safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, with leaders stressing that the operation will be strictly defensive and only deployed once conditions for peace in the region are in place.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the initiative following a high-level meeting in Paris co-chaired with French President Emmanuel Macron. The discussions brought together more than 30 global leaders, most participating virtually, although neither the United States nor Iran took part.
Starmer said the proposed mission, led by the UK alongside France, would focus on protecting commercial shipping and supporting mine clearance efforts in the strategic waterway. He added that more than a dozen countries have already indicated willingness to contribute assets, reinforcing the multinational scope of the operation.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime routes, with roughly 20 per cent of global oil supplies passing through it under normal conditions. Any disruption in the passage has historically raised global concerns over energy security and regional stability.
While the Paris meeting was underway, Iran announced that the strait would remain open to commercial shipping as long as a ceasefire in the Middle East holds. The statement was cautiously welcomed by participating nations, though leaders called for a full and unconditional reopening from all sides to ensure lasting stability.
US President Donald Trump separately stated that a US naval blockade outside the Strait of Hormuz remains in force for vessels travelling to or from Iranian ports, following failed diplomatic talks earlier in April.
French President Macron said the multinational mission would help solidify recent developments and create conditions for long-term stability in the region, describing it as essential for sustaining any progress made on de-escalation.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Italy is ready to participate, but stressed that any deployment must wait for a clear cessation of hostilities. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said US involvement would be desirable and welcomed continued military planning discussions among allies.
The initiative comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions, with global powers closely watching developments in the region due to the Strait’s critical role in international energy and trade flows.
