France and UK to Co-Chair International Discussions on Strait of Hormuz Safety and Post-Conflict Operations Involving 40 Countries

On Friday, France and Britain will lead a meeting of approximately 40 countries, aiming to demonstrate to the United States that key allies are ready to assist in restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz when the time is right.

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This initiative is taking place amidst heightened tensions in the strategic waterway, which has been largely closed to non-Iranian vessels by Iran following the US-Israeli air strikes that occurred on February 28.

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The situation was further escalated by the US earlier this week, as it imposed a blockade on ships entering or leaving Iranian ports, according to Reuters.

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US President Donald Trump has urged allied nations to support the enforcement of the blockade, criticising NATO partners for their reluctance to do so.

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However, Britain, France, and other European countries are hesitant to participate in the blockade, believing it would draw them into the conflict, and instead have expressed a willingness to support efforts to secure the strait once a ceasefire is reached or hostilities end.

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The planned mission currently excludes both the United States and Iran, although any meaningful operation would ultimately require coordination with the two countries, and Washington is expected to be briefed on the outcome of the talks.

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A note circulated to participating nations states that the meeting will reaffirm support for unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and underscore the importance of adherence to international law.

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The discussions will also focus on the economic impact of the crisis on global shipping, including the plight of more than 20,000 seafarers stranded in the region alongside trapped commercial vessels.

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Participants will outline plans for a strictly defensive multinational military mission that could be deployed once conditions are deemed safe, with a focus on safeguarding maritime traffic.

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A joint statement is expected at the end of the meeting, providing further clarity on the proposed mission, although specific national contributions are unlikely to be detailed.

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French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni are expected to attend the meeting in Paris, while other officials from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East will participate via video conference.

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China has also been invited to the meeting, although its participation remains uncertain, and some diplomats have cautioned that the proposed mission may not materialise if normal shipping operations resume quickly.

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Others have noted that shipping firms and insurers could push for such a deployment during a transition period to boost confidence, and according to a senior French official, the mission could involve intelligence sharing, mine-clearance capabilities, military escorts, and more.

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The objective of the mission is clear, and the resources deployed will naturally depend on the situation, with Britain adding that the outcome of Friday’s talks would feed directly into a multinational military planning meeting scheduled for next week.