Britain and France have announced their readiness to deploy a multinational military mission to secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, despite repeated warnings from Iran against a foreign presence in the strategic waterway. The joint declaration came amid heightened friction with Tehran, which has consistently argued that the waterway's security rests solely with its littoral states.
Joint Statement from UK and France
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron said in a joint statement: “The Strait of Hormuz is a vital artery for the global economy. Restoring safe transit for ships of all nations through the strait is a matter of global concern.” The leaders noted that Oman has agreed to cooperate with London and Paris to ensure safe passage through its sovereign territorial waters. They added that both European powers stand ready to anchor a broader multinational military mission to support freedom of navigation in the area.
“The United Kingdom and France reaffirm their shared commitment to regional stability, respect for the sovereignty of all states, and their willingness to maintain close cooperation with their partners in order to uphold global security, freedom of navigation and international law,” the statement read.
Iran's Opposition and Regional Tensions
Iran has repeatedly vowed to reject any foreign involvement in maritime operations in the Strait of Hormuz, warning extra-regional powers against projecting military force there. Iranian officials have consistently argued that the waterway’s security rests solely with its littoral states. The joint declaration from London and Paris comes as tensions in the region remain high, with the strait being a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments.
France Deploys Mine Countermeasure Assets
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that France has deployed mine countermeasure assets to the Middle East. “Accompanied by two frigates and a maritime patrol aircraft, these assets are ready to contribute, alongside our partners, to the full resumption of navigation and to ensure the safety of traffic in the Strait of Hormuz,” he wrote in a post on X on Saturday. The deployment includes two minehunters specifically, underscoring France's commitment to maritime security in the region.
The multinational mission, if realized, would aim to ensure safe passage for commercial and military vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, which handles about 20% of the world's oil supply. The UK and France have emphasized that the mission would be conducted in cooperation with regional partners and in accordance with international law.
