France and Britain to Lead Multinational Mission in Strait of Hormuz

France and the United Kingdom have announced plans to spearhead a multinational mission aimed at safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The initiative was confirmed by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron following an international security conference in Paris.

The leaders stated that the mission would be launched "as soon as conditions allow" and would be strictly defensive in nature. Its primary objectives are to ensure the security of commercial shipping and support mine-clearing operations in the vital waterway.

"This mission will be exclusively peaceful and defensive, aimed at ensuring the safety of commercial shipping and supporting demining efforts," Starmer declared during a joint press conference at the Élysée Palace. He added that more than a dozen countries have already offered assistance for the operation.

It’s good news that the Strait of Hormuz has now reopened. This must be a long lasting and workable solution, without tolls or restrictions on routes. Today we announced our joint plan with France and other international partners to protect freedom of navigation.

Military planners are scheduled to discuss the details of the mission in London next week. The Paris summit, initiated by France and Britain, was also attended by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, with around 50 world leaders and international organizations participating online.

Chancellor Merz expressed Germany's readiness to contribute to securing the strait, suggesting potential roles in demining and maritime reconnaissance. However, he outlined several preconditions for deploying troops, including an end to the war in the Middle East and a reliable legal framework, such as a UN Security Council resolution. Merz also noted that U.S. Participation in the mission would be "desirable."

Conference participants welcomed recent de-escalation steps, including a ten-day ceasefire declared in Lebanon and Iran's temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. While these developments offer hope, Macron urged continued caution.

We all demand the full, immediate, and unconditional opening of the Strait of Hormuz by all parties.

Macron described the temporary opening of the strait for commercial vessels during the Lebanese truce as a step in the right direction but insisted that freedom of navigation must be permanently restored on this key oil trade route.

The announcements from Paris coincided with statements from U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirming the strait's temporary opening for commercial shipping during Lebanon's ceasefire. Trump clarified that America's blockade of Iranian ports would continue until an agreement with Iran is reached. Following these developments, global oil prices fell significantly.