Amidst the ongoing conflict involving Israel, the US, and Iran, France and the United Kingdom have convened an international summit to address the total blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by Tehran. French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are meeting with representatives from dozens of nations in Paris this Friday. Notably, the United States has been excluded from this initiative to advance the plan for reopening the strategic waterway independently.
Strategic Importance of Hormuz for Global Economy
This critical oil route has been closed due to the war involving the US, Israel, and Iran, while the meeting in Paris represents the efforts of countries that aren't direct participants in the conflict and didn't initiate it. The blockade of Hormuz has severely impacted the global economy. Following the outbreak of war on February 28, Iran effectively closed this narrow strait, which previously accounted for one-fifth of the world's total oil supply. The United States isn't part of the preparation for this specific plan, titled the Hormuz Strait Maritime Navigation Freedom Initiative.
Defensive Nature of the Security Mission
Prior to the summit on Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron stated on X that the mission to secure vessels in Hormuz would be strictly defensive. He emphasized that it would be operated solely by non-belligerent nations and deployed only when security conditions allow. Macron and British PM Keir Starmer have led international efforts to increase diplomatic and economic pressure on Iran. Starmer accused Iran of holding the world's economy to ransom. The economic threat has further escalated following Donald Trump's announcement of a retaliatory blockade on Iranian ports.
Starmer’s Call for Action and Military Planning
British PM Keir Starmer stated before the meeting that reopening the strait unconditionally and immediately is a global responsibility. He called for action to ensure that global energy and trade can flow freely again. France and the UK have also held military planning sessions, reminiscent of the coalition of the willing formed to provide security following a potential ceasefire in the Ukraine war, while french military spokesperson Colonel Guillaume Vernet stated on Thursday that the mission is still under construction. Macron's office noted that participating countries would contribute according to their capabilities.
Technical Requirements for Safe Passage
Options for safe passage through the strait will be determined based on the security situation following a permanent ceasefire, while a French official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the priority is for ship operators to ensure their vessels won't be harmed. This may require intelligence sharing, mine clearing capabilities, military escorts, and established communication processes with coastal nations.