The United Kingdom and France are preparing to lead international discussions this week focused on reopening the critical Strait of Hormuz shipping corridor, with plans for what French President Emmanuel Macron called a strictly defensive maritime operation.
The diplomatic meetings aim to unite Britain, France, and other willing nations in creating a peaceful international coalition designed to restore open navigation through the strategic waterway.
“This strictly defensive mission, which will be separate from the warring parties, is intended to be deployed as soon as the situation allows,” Macron wrote on X.
Gulf region tensions have escalated following the United States’ announcement of a maritime blockade targeting Iranian port traffic, while Iran has essentially closed the strait, a critical passage that handles approximately 20% of global oil shipments.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that the ongoing Strait of Hormuz closure is severely harming international commerce and contributing to rising living expenses worldwide.
“This week the UK and France will co-host a summit to advance work on a coordinated, independent, multinational plan to safeguard international shipping when the conflict ends,” Starmer posted on X.
Previously, Britain has organized meetings with representatives from more than 40 nations who support reopening navigation through the waterway. The United States did not participate in those earlier discussions.
