UK and France to Lead Mission in Strait of Hormuz
The UK and France will spearhead a multinational operation aimed at safeguarding commercial shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced.
Following a meeting involving 51 countries, the prime minister emphasized that the mission would be
"strictly peaceful and defensive"and would only commence once hostilities in the region have ceased.
Background on Strait of Hormuz Tensions
Since late February, Iran has effectively blocked the waterway after the US and Israel launched attacks on the country, causing a surge in global energy and fuel prices.
On Friday, Iran's foreign minister declared that the route was now
"completely open". US President Donald Trump echoed this statement and criticized NATO for being
"useless when needed".
Trump revealed he received an offer of assistance from NATO on Friday but responded via Truth Social, stating he
"TOLD THEM TO STAY AWAY, UNLESS THEY JUST WANT TO LOAD UP THEIR SHIPS WITH OIL".
The US president has frequently criticized NATO and specifically the UK throughout the conflict involving Iran.
Sir Keir Starmer has maintained that the UK will not be
"dragged"into the conflict and has previously stated that the UK would not endorse the blockade.
Details of the Multinational Mission
The UK prime minister noted that numerous countries have offered to
"contribute assets"to the joint mission with France.
Speaking alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, Sir Keir said,
"This will be strictly peaceful and defensive, as a mission to reassure commercial shipping and support mine clearance."
He added,
"We invite all nations with an interest in the free flow of global trade to join us. Some have already indicated their readiness to contribute."
Sir Keir confirmed that further details about the mission will be disclosed next week after a military planning conference in London.
Current Status and International Reactions
Tehran has pledged that the Strait of Hormuz will remain fully open to commercial vessels until mid-next week, coinciding with the expiration of a temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran.
However, Trump stated that his naval blockade on vessels entering and exiting Iranian ports will continue.
Despite increased shipping activity in the Gulf on Friday, maritime tracking services recorded very few vessels actually transiting the strait.
French President Macron remarked that the closure of the strait has had
"very severe consequences"on
"the whole of the planet and the global economy."He described recent developments as
"encouraging, even if we have to remain prudent."
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed that Germany
"stands ready to play its part in ensuring freedom of navigation."After the multilateral meeting, he also stated that it would be
"desirable"for the US to participate in the mission.
