France and Britain are set to hold a meeting on Friday with around 40 countries, aiming to signal to the United States that allied nations are ready to help ensure safe maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz once the situation stabilizes. Since February 28, following airstrikes by the United States and Israel, Iran has effectively closed the strait to most foreign vessels, allowing primarily its own ships to pass. Meanwhile, on Monday, the United States imposed sanctions on vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports. U.S. President Donald Trump has urged other countries to support the enforcement of these measures and has criticized NATO allies for not participating. However, Britain, France, and others argue that joining such enforcement would amount to direct involvement in the conflict, though they have expressed willingness to help keep the strait open in the event of a lasting ceasefire or an end to hostilities.
Notably, the current initiative does not include the United States or Iran, although European diplomats acknowledge that any viable mission would ultimately require coordination with both parties. The outcomes of the meeting will be communicated to Washington. According to a note sent to invited countries, the meeting aims to reaffirm full diplomatic support for freedom of navigation through the strait, a critical route that typically carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas, while also emphasizing the importance of respecting international law.
The discussions will also address the economic disruptions caused by restricted shipping and the safety concerns of more than 20,000 stranded sailors and commercial vessels. In addition, plans for a defensive multinational military mission to ensure safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz will be presented. A joint statement may be issued after the meeting, outlining the possible framework of such a mission, although it is unlikely to specify the roles of individual countries. Diplomats suggest that an operational center could be announced, potentially to be based in Oman, though there are disagreements among countries over whether United Nations Security Council approval would be required.
The statement is also expected to oppose any imposition of tolls or fees on passage through the strait and to call for contributions from countries willing to provide military, diplomatic, political, or financial support. French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will attend the meeting in person, while officials from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East will join via video conference. Chancellor Merz stated that Germany is prepared to assist in securing maritime routes once the conflict ends, but emphasized that such efforts should have United Nations approval and include U.S. participation. China has also been invited to the meeting, though it has not yet confirmed whether it will attend.
40 countries call for meeting on Strait of Hormuz
