European leaders gathered in Paris on Friday to begin planning a potential multinational mission aimed at securing the Strait of Hormuz after the end of the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer co-chaired the meeting at the Élysée Palace, bringing together key allies to address the growing economic and security risks posed by the blockade of the vital shipping route.
Leaders including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attended in person, while dozens of other heads of state joined virtually. The discussions focused on restoring free shipping in the strait after Iran’s blockade, which has pushed up global energy prices and raised fears of inflation and shortages.
According to officials, the proposed mission would involve mine-clearing operations and safeguarding commercial shipping without engaging in active conflict. The meeting will also address concerns for more than 20,000 seafarers currently stranded aboard ships in the affected waters.
While Germany signaled tentative support for the mission, Merz cautioned that concrete steps remain distant. Military officials are expected to continue planning discussions next week at the UK’s Northwood headquarters.
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Iran’s announcement that the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened to commercial shipping for the duration of a ceasefire, saying the move “goes in the right direction.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also welcomed the move and said more than a dozen countries were ready to contribute assets to a defensive mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
File Photo
