Macron and Starmer discuss Hormuz security mission

French President Emmanuel Macron and United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer have chaired a meeting of allies to consider the possible deployment of a multinational force to secure the Strait of Hormuz and ensure the free flow of trade once the current conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel ends.

The initiative comes after Iran imposed a blockade on the critical shipping route following the outbreak of war with the United States and Israel on 28 February, triggering a surge in global energy prices. Even with a fragile ceasefire in place, the United States is now imposing its own blockade on Iranian ports. European leaders have warned that a prolonged disruption could drive higher inflation, food shortages and flight cancellations due to jet fuel shortages.

The meeting, which began at 1200 GMT and was largely held via video conference, brought together around 30 leaders from Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Participants were expected to call for a return to full freedom of navigation and to examine the economic consequences of the blockade. They were also due to discuss preparations for “the deployment, when conditions are met, of a strictly defensive multinational military mission, in order to ensure freedom of navigation,” according to an invitation from the Élysée Palace seen by AFP.

Officials stressed that any such force would only be deployed once the war ends. Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer have also been leading efforts to create a European force to support Ukraine, which would similarly only be deployed after the end of its war with Russia.

Keir Starmer is expected to tell the meeting that “the unconditional and immediate reopening” of the strait “is a global responsibility,” according to Downing Street. He is also expected to say that both he and Emmanuel Macron are committed “to establish a multinational initiative to protect freedom of navigation” to reassure commercial shipping and support mine clearance operations.

A French presidential official, speaking anonymously, said allies would need guarantees “we have an Iranian commitment not to fire on passing ships and a US commitment not to block any ships leaving or entering the Strait of Hormuz.”

The official added that the meeting would explore a “third way between the maximum pressure previously practiced by the United States on Iran and the resumption of war.” The talks are also intended to showcase Europe’s diplomatic role after being largely sidelined by Washington in efforts to end the conflict.

Key European Union figures, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, attended in person. Their offices confirmed their participation.

The Élysée said the discussions involved “non-belligerent countries", meaning Iran, Israel and the United States were not included.

France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said on Thursday that “the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has major consequences for the global economy and, therefore, for the daily lives of French citizens and French businesses.”

Downing Street said planning was already underway for a “combined military effort as soon as conditions allow". Military chiefs are due to meet next week at the United Kingdom’s defence headquarters in Northwood, outside London, for further talks.

According to the French presidency, the meeting also addressed concerns over more than 20,000 seafarers on hundreds of ships currently affected by the blockade.

A French presidential official said the aim was to build a “credible proposal” between maximum pressure and renewed conflict. Friedrich Merz said Germany was “willing in principle to take part", but added that “we are still very far from that".

He also said leaders would discuss the role of the United States, although the French presidential official noted that Washington, as a belligerent party in the conflict, should not be involved in the proposed mission.