French President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed that France and the United Kingdom will jointly host an international conference in the coming days to explore the creation of a “peaceful multinational mission” aimed at restoring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement posted on X, Macron outlined the initiative: “In the coming days, together with the United Kingdom, we will organise a conference with those countries prepared to contribute alongside us to a peaceful multinational mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the strait.”
He emphasized that the proposed mission would be “strictly defensive” and “separate from the warring parties to the conflict,” with deployment planned “as soon as circumstances permit.”
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the strategically vital waterway, which handles roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments.
Recent developments, including reported U.S. actions toward a blockade of Iranian ports and ongoing Iran-related conflicts, have raised concerns about disruptions to maritime traffic and global energy security.
Macron’s post underscores a European-led effort independent of direct involvement in broader hostilities.
The conference will invite willing nations to contribute to what is described as a non-aggressive operation focused solely on safeguarding commercial shipping lanes.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman at the entrance to the Persian Gulf, serves as a critical chokepoint for energy exports from the Middle East.
Any sustained closure or threat to navigation there could trigger sharp spikes in oil prices and broader economic ripple effects worldwide.
No specific timeline for the conference or list of potential participating countries has been released yet, but the joint Franco-British initiative signals growing European interest in securing key maritime routes without escalating into active combat roles.
Further details are expected as France and the UK move forward with invitations to potential partners.
