France, UK To Lead Naval Mission To Secure Strait Of Hormuz

Last Updated:April 17, 2026, 23:15 IST

France and UK will lead a defensive multinational mission to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz after peace, as Iran reopens the key oil route during a ceasefire.

France and United Kingdom will lead a multinational mission to safeguard commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, leaders announced Friday, stressing the force will be strictly defensive and deployed only after a lasting peace is in place.

The plan was confirmed by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron as they co-chaired international talks in Paris aimed at ensuring the free flow of trade through the vital maritime corridor.

Global push to secure key oil route

The conference, attended virtually by representatives from 49 countries across Europe and Asia, comes amid heightened concerns over global trade disruption following weeks of conflict in the region.

The Strait of Hormuz through which a significant share of the world’s oil passes — has been at the centre of the crisis after Iran imposed a blockade following the outbreak of war on February 28.

While both the United States and Iran were not part of the talks, the meeting marked a coordinated effort by other global powers to stabilise the situation.

‘Strictly defensive’ and ‘neutral’ force

Starmer said the proposed mission would be deployed “as soon as conditions allow" and would focus on reassuring commercial shipping and supporting mine-clearing operations.

“This will be strictly peaceful and defensive," he said, adding that more than a dozen countries have already offered to contribute assets.

Macron described the mission as “neutral" and separate from the warring parties, emphasising that its goal is to reinforce stability rather than escalate tensions.

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Rome is ready to participate, while Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested it would be “desirable" for the US to be involved.

Hormuz reopening welcomed, but concerns remain

The announcement came as Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the strait had been reopened to commercial vessels during an ongoing ceasefire.

Leaders welcomed the move but called for a full and unconditional reopening to ensure long-term stability.

Macron said the multinational mission would help “consolidate" such developments and increase the chances of a lasting resolution.

US stance and economic concerns

US President Donald Trump said he had rejected a reported offer from NATO to help secure the strait, urging the alliance to “stay away".

The Paris talks also reflected Europe’s attempt to play a larger role in managing the crisis, after being largely sidelined in earlier diplomatic efforts.

Starmer warned that ensuring uninterrupted passage through Hormuz is critical to controlling global prices and preventing wider economic damage.

Next steps

Military officials are expected to meet next week at the UK’s Northwood headquarters to finalise operational details of the mission.

While the reopening of Hormuz has eased immediate concerns, leaders stressed that lasting security will depend on the durability of the ceasefire and broader political agreements.

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