UK and France to Lead Hormuz Mission as Soon as Conditions Allow
Istanbul (ANTARA) - European leaders on Saturday called for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans for a multinational mission led by Britain and France to protect maritime shipping.
Speaking after a video conference bringing together 49 countries, along with the European Union and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Starmer said participants agreed to accelerate military planning to secure the strategic waterway.
“I can confirm that, together with France, the UK will lead a multinational mission to protect freedom of navigation as soon as conditions allow,” said Starmer, describing the operation as purely peaceful and defensive.
He added that the mission aims to provide reassurance for commercial shipping and support demining efforts. He also invited countries with interests in global trade to contribute.
More than 12 countries have indicated readiness to provide assets, he said, with a planning conference scheduled in London next week.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron said the meeting aimed to ensure the reopening of the waterway amid regional tensions.
Macron also warned that disruptions have caused very serious consequences for global markets, including supplies of oil, gas, and fertiliser.
He welcomed the “encouraging” ceasefire announcement involving Iran, the United States, and Lebanon, but stressed the need for a sustainable solution.
“We all demand the full, immediate, and unconditional opening of the Strait of Hormuz,” he said, while adding that countries reject any restrictions or attempts to impose tariff systems or privatise the strait.
Iran on Friday stated that the Strait of Hormuz is now fully open to commercial ships, in line with the 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon that took effect at midnight on Thursday, but via designated routes.
Tehran had previously blocked the main oil shipping route after the United States and Israel attacked the country on 28 February.
The ceasefire between the US and Iran is scheduled to end on 22 April, while talks towards long-term peace are expected to take place soon in Islamabad.
Source: Anadolu