Hormuz Crisis: France, Britain Lead Push for Maritime Security Without US, Iran

France and Britain will jointly chair a meeting of about 40 countries on Friday aimed at signalling to the United States that key allies are prepared to help restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz once conditions permit.

The initiative comes amid heightened tensions in the strategic waterway, which Iran has largely closed to non-Iranian vessels following the outbreak of U.S.-Israeli air strikes on February 28.

The United States further escalated the situation earlier this week by imposing a blockade on ships entering or leaving Iranian ports. President Donald Trump has urged allied nations to support enforcement of the blockade, criticising NATO partners for their reluctance.

However, Britain, France and other European countries maintain that participating in the blockade would effectively draw them into the conflict. Instead, they have expressed willingness to support efforts to secure the strait after a ceasefire is reached or hostilities end.

Diplomatic sources said the planned mission currently excludes both the United States and Iran, although any meaningful operation would ultimately require coordination with the two countries. Washington is expected to be briefed on the outcome of the talks.

According to a note circulated to participating nations, the meeting will reaffirm support for unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and underscore the importance of adherence to international law.

Discussions will also focus on the economic impact of the crisis on global shipping, including the plight of more than 20,000 seafarers stranded in the region alongside trapped commercial vessels.

In addition, participants will outline plans for a strictly defensive multinational military mission that could be deployed once conditions are deemed safe, with a focus on safeguarding maritime traffic.

A joint statement is expected at the end of the meeting, providing further clarity on the proposed mission, although specific national contributions are unlikely to be detailed.

French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni are expected to attend the meeting in Paris. Other officials from Europe, Asia and the Middle East will participate via video conference. China has also been invited, though its participation remains uncertain.

Some diplomats cautioned that the proposed mission may not materialise if normal shipping operations resume quickly. Others noted that shipping firms and insurers could push for such a deployment during a transition period to boost confidence.

“It can involve intelligence sharing, mine-clearance capabilities, military escorts, information procedures with neighbouring countries and more,” a senior French official said. “The objective is clear, and the resources deployed will naturally depend on the situation.”

Britain added that the outcome of Friday’s talks would feed directly into a multinational military planning meeting scheduled for next week.