France and UK Lead Summit to Reopen Strait of Hormuz
French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer convened an international summit in Paris with approximately 50 nations to launch the Strait of Hormuz Maritime Freedom of Navigation Initiative. Excluding the United States, the coalition aims to establish a strictly defensive multinational force to reopen the strategic oil route blocked during the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict. The initiative seeks to mitigate severe global economic disruptions, stabilize energy prices, and ensure maritime security through mine clearance and surveillance once hostilities cease, marking a significant European diplomatic effort independent of Washington.
Editorial summary awaiting refresh
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
UK and France Lead Allied Talks on Post-Conflict Strait of Hormuz Security
French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer are chairing a high-level video conference with European allies to discuss the potential deployment of a multinational force in the Strait of Hormuz. The proposed mission aims to ensure security and guarantee the free flow of global trade through this critical waterway once the ongoing conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel concludes. This diplomatic initiative highlights Europe's proactive role in shaping post-war regional stability and maritime security architecture. The discussions focus on coordinating international efforts to reopen the strait safely, preventing future disruptions to energy supplies and commercial shipping. While the immediate conflict remains unresolved, these preliminary talks underscore the strategic priority placed by London and Paris on restoring normalcy to one of the world's most important chokepoints. The meeting reflects broader concerns among Western powers regarding long-term security frameworks in the Middle East following the anticipated cessation of hostilities.
France 24 - International breaking news, top stories and headlinesMacron and Starmer Host Summit on Post-War Hormuz Maritime Security
French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer convened a summit in Paris with representatives from approximately 30 to 40 countries to discuss the Strait of Hormuz Maritime Freedom of Navigation Initiative. The meeting aims to establish a multinational, strictly defensive maritime force to secure the strategic waterway once a ceasefire is reached in the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran. Notably, the United States was excluded from these talks, reflecting tensions after President Trump criticized European allies and imposed a separate blockade on Iranian ports. The Strait of Hormuz has been closed since February 28, causing significant global economic disruption, including higher inflation and trapped seafarers. European leaders emphasized that deployment requires an Iranian commitment to stop attacking ships and a US commitment to lift its blockade. While military planning is underway, with France and the UK deploying naval assets, officials stressed that the mission remains in construction and contingent on post-conflict security conditions. The initiative mirrors previous European efforts to organize security forces for Ukraine, highlighting Europe's attempt to assert independent diplomatic and security roles amidst American unilateralism.
Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al JazeeraFrance and UK Lead International Conference on Strait of Hormuz Safety, Excluding US
On April 17, 2026, France and the United Kingdom hosted an international conference in Paris aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively blocked following recent geopolitical tensions. The meeting was co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with in-person attendance from German Chancellor Merz and Italian Prime Minister Meloni. Approximately 50 countries and organizations participated, including ministerial-level representatives from Japan, while the United States notably did not attend. The conference sought to distinguish European efforts from the actions of the US and Israel, who recently attacked Iran, triggering Iranian retaliation and the closure of the strategic strait. This blockade has caused a significant surge in global crude oil prices, impacting citizens' lives worldwide. In response to the crisis, US President Trump had previously launched a counter-blockade targeting ships connected to Iranian ports. The European-led initiative aims to cooperate on stabilizing energy prices and securing maritime safety without aligning with the US military approach.
asahiFrance and UK Lead International Conference on Strait of Hormuz Safety, Excluding US
On April 17, 2026, France and the United Kingdom hosted an international conference in Paris aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively blocked following recent geopolitical tensions. The meeting, co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, sought to distinguish European efforts from the actions of the United States and Israel, who recently attacked Iran. In retaliation, Iran closed the strategic strait, causing a sharp rise in global crude oil prices. Approximately 50 countries and organizations participated, with leaders from Germany and Italy attending in person, while representatives from Asia, South America, and Africa joined online. Notably, the United States did not participate, reflecting a diplomatic rift as President Trump had previously launched a blockade targeting Iranian ports. The conference aims to address soaring energy prices affecting citizens and establish a cooperative framework for maritime safety independent of US military operations. Japanese ministers also attended the session, highlighting broad international concern over the escalation in the Middle East and its impact on global energy security.
asahiMacron and Starmer Lead Summit to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Without US
French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are convening an international summit in Paris to launch the Strait of Hormuz Maritime Freedom of Navigation Initiative. This diplomatic and military effort aims to reopen the critical oil route, which Iran closed following the outbreak of war between the United States, Israel, and Iran in February 2026. Notably, the United States is excluded from the planning process, as European leaders seek to mitigate global economic disruptions caused by the conflict without escalating direct military tensions involving Washington. The initiative, described as strictly defensive, involves dozens of non-belligerent nations contributing capabilities such as mine-clearing, intelligence sharing, and maritime surveillance. Experts suggest that European involvement reduces the risk of miscalculation compared to a US-led operation. While military escorts for commercial tankers are deemed logistically difficult, the coalition focuses on ensuring safe passage through de-mining and warning systems. The summit underscores attempts by sidelined nations to restore global energy flows and trade stability amidst the ongoing regional war and subsequent US retaliatory blockades.
News Today: Breaking News, Top Headlines & Live Updates | The HinduStarmer and Macron to Host Paris Talks on Reopening Strait of Hormuz
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are co-hosting a virtual summit in Paris with approximately 40 countries and the International Maritime Organisation to address the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic shipping lane, responsible for transporting one-fifth of the world's oil, was blocked by Iran in retaliation for recent US and Israeli strikes. In response, US President Donald Trump has implemented a blockade on Iranian oil ports. The talks aim to establish a multinational initiative to protect freedom of navigation, support mine clearance, and ensure the immediate reopening of the strait. This diplomatic effort coincides with a newly effective 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, which officials hope will facilitate broader de-escalation between Iran, the US, and Israel. Planning for a joint defensive military mission is underway, with further discussions scheduled at the Permanent Joint Headquarters in London. The UK government emphasizes that restoring global energy flow is a shared responsibility, while Chancellor Rachel Reeves highlights the economic necessity of ending the conflict to mitigate financial impacts on households.
The StandardMacron and Starmer Convene Summit to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Amid US-Israel-Iran Conflict
French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are hosting an international summit in Paris to coordinate efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route blocked since late February 2026. The closure resulted from the ongoing military conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran. Notably, the United States is excluded from this diplomatic initiative, branded as the Strait of Hormuz Maritime Freedom of Navigation Initiative. The meeting aims to unite European and other non-belligerent nations to mitigate severe global economic disruptions caused by the blockade. Macron emphasized that the proposed security mission would be strictly defensive and deployed only when conditions permit. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Starmer accused Iran of holding the world economy hostage, urging immediate action to restore free trade flows. The situation has been exacerbated by President Donald Trump’s announcement of a retaliatory American blockade on Iranian ports. This summit represents a significant diplomatic maneuver by allied nations sidelined from the direct combat operations, seeking to stabilize energy markets and ensure maritime security through collective, non-combatant intervention.
AP NewsMacron and Starmer Lead Talks on Post-War European Mission in Strait of Hormuz
French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are chairing a video conference with European and international allies to discuss the potential deployment of a multinational defensive force in the Strait of Hormuz. This initiative aims to ensure safe navigation and secure trade routes once the ongoing conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel concludes. The blockade imposed during the war has caused significant global economic disruptions, including rising energy prices and supply chain issues. Leaders from Germany, Italy, and approximately 30 other nations are participating to address these economic consequences and plan for mine clearance and shipping protection. The proposed mission is strictly defensive and excludes belligerent parties such as the US, Iran, and Israel. Officials emphasize that deployment will only occur after hostilities cease and specific security commitments are met. The meeting also highlights Europe's desire to assert diplomatic influence independently of US-led efforts. Additionally, the leaders are concerned about the welfare of over 20,000 seafarers currently trapped by the blockade. Military chiefs are scheduled to meet subsequently to further refine operational plans for this post-conflict security framework.
France 24 - International breaking news, top stories and headlinesMacron Convenes International Meeting in Paris to Secure Strait of Hormuz
French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting a significant international meeting in Paris, bringing together representatives from approximately thirty countries. The primary objective of this gathering is to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, which has been closed since the commencement of military operations by the United States and Israel against Iran. Occurring a month and a half after the start of these hostilities, the meeting aims to allow European nations and global partners to voice their positions and potentially influence the stances of both Washington and Tehran. Described by Élysée officials as a meeting of 'goodwill,' the event seeks to establish a coalition for maritime security without explicitly mirroring previous military alliances. Attendees include high-level officials from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, the Indo-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America, such as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The initiative reflects an effort by Western powers and their partners to act as agents of peace and stabilize the critical waterway amidst ongoing regional conflict.
Le Figaro - Actualité en direct et informations en continu