An international initiative led by France and the United Kingdom to reopen the Strait of Hormuz
The efforts do not currently include the United States or Iran, although European diplomats have indicated that any realistic mission would ultimately require coordination with both parties.
France and the United Kingdom are chairing a meeting on Friday bringing together around 40 countries, with the aim of sending a message to the United States that some of its closest allies are prepared to play a role in restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz once conditions allow.
Iran has largely closed the strait to non-affiliated vessels since the start of U.S.–Israeli airstrikes on February 28. Washington imposed a blockade on Monday on ships entering or leaving Iranian ports.
U.S. President Donald Trump called on other countries to help enforce the blockade and criticized NATO member states for not doing so.
The United Kingdom, France, and other countries consider that joining the blockade could be interpreted as entering the war, but they stated they are ready to help keep the strait open once a permanent ceasefire is achieved or the conflict ends.
The initiative currently under discussion does not include the United States or Iran, although European diplomats stressed that a credible mission would ultimately require coordination with both sides. Washington will be briefed on the outcome of the talks.
According to a memorandum sent to invited countries, the meeting aims to reaffirm full diplomatic support for unimpeded freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the need to respect international law.
The meeting will also address the economic challenges facing the shipping sector, the safety of more than 20,000 stranded sailors, and the situation of commercial vessels that remain immobilized.
It will also outline preparations for the potential deployment, once conditions are met, of a multinational defensive military mission to ensure freedom of navigation.
A statement is expected at the conclusion of the meeting to provide a more concrete picture of what such a mission might entail, although it is not expected to detail the specific contributions of each country.
The meeting in Paris will be attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, while officials from across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East will join via video link. An invitation was extended to China, but it remains unclear whether it will participate.
Several diplomats indicated that the mission might never materialize if the situation in the Strait of Hormuz returns to normal. Others noted that shipping companies and insurers could request such a deployment during a transitional phase to provide reassurance.
A senior French official told reporters: “This could include intelligence sharing, mine-clearing capabilities, military escort, and information-sharing mechanisms with neighboring states, among other measures.”
He added: “The objective is clear, and the resources employed will naturally depend on the situation.”
The United Kingdom stated that Friday’s discussions would lead directly to a multinational military planning meeting scheduled for next week.
