France and Britain are set to co-chair a high-level summit on Friday involving approximately 40 nations to discuss the future of maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. The meeting is intended to signal to the United States that while its allies are wary of joining the current blockade—which they view as an entry into active warfare—they are prepared to launch a defensive mission to restore freedom of navigation once a ceasefire or peace agreement is reached. Currently, the strategic waterway remains largely closed to international traffic following the outbreak of hostilities on February 28.
The discussions will prioritize the reaffirmation of international law and the urgent humanitarian need to assist over 20,000 seafarers currently stranded on trapped commercial vessels. Participating leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, will evaluate the logistical requirements for a potential multinational naval mission. While Germany has expressed a preference for a United Nations mandate and U.S. involvement, the current initiative is being framed as a transitional safeguard to reassure shipping companies and insurers once the conflict subsides.
Diplomatic sources suggest the meeting may result in the establishment of an operational center, potentially located in Oman, to coordinate intelligence sharing, mine clearance, and military escorts. Although the United States and Iran are not direct participants in these talks, European officials emphasized that any functional mission would eventually require coordination with both powers. The conclusions reached on Friday are expected to serve as the foundation for a more detailed military planning session scheduled for the following week.
Click here for more on World News
