France and UK to Host Conference for Hormuz Navigation Mission

Istanbul (ANTARA) - France will host a conference with the UK in the coming days to bring together countries willing to contribute to a multinational mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday.

Macron stated on his X social media account that the initiative will focus on forming a “multinational peaceful mission” to secure maritime routes through the strategic waterway, emphasising that the effort will be “purely defensive” and separate from parties involved in the conflict.

He added that the mission is intended to be deployed “as soon as circumstances allow.”

The announcement is part of France’s broader efforts to promote diplomatic resolutions to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Macron stressed that “no effort should be spared” to achieve a swift and lasting settlement through diplomacy, calling for a framework that enables all parties in the region to live in peace and security.

He underlined that any long-term solution must address key issues, including Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile activities, its regional actions, and the urgent need to restore “free and unimpeded navigation” in the Strait of Hormuz.

Macron also pointed to the importance of stabilising Lebanon, stating that the country must return to the path of peace by fully respecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Reaffirming France’s position, he said Paris is ready to “play its full role” in diplomatic and security efforts, as it has done since the beginning of the conflict.

Source: Anadolu