European leaders call for permanent navigation guarantees as ceasefire allows limited reopening of key oil corridor.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Leaders of France and the United Kingdom welcomed the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz on Friday while calling for long-term guarantees to secure one of the world’s most critical shipping routes amid ongoing regional tensions.
French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued statements following a multinational meeting in Paris that included representatives from approximately 50 countries and international organizations.
Macron said participants “all demand the full, immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz by all parties,” emphasizing the need for sustained access to the waterway beyond the current ceasefire period.
The statements came as Donald Trump and Iran’s foreign minister announced that commercial shipping would be permitted through the strait during a 10-day ceasefire tied to the conflict in Lebanon. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said passage would remain “completely open” for the duration of the truce, prompting a decline in global oil prices.
Trump confirmed the reopening in a social media statement while noting that U.S. naval restrictions targeting Iranian vessels would remain in effect until broader negotiations are completed.
Starmer described the reopening as a positive development but said it must evolve into a lasting arrangement. He stated that the United Kingdom and France are preparing a multinational initiative aimed at ensuring continued maritime security in the region, with deployment planned “as soon as conditions allow.” Military planners are scheduled to meet in London next week to advance preparations.
The proposed effort, referred to as the Strait of Hormuz Maritime Freedom of Navigation Initiative, would operate independently of the parties involved in the conflict. Macron said the mission would be “neutral” and focused on safeguarding commercial shipping routes.
Starmer said the initiative would be “strictly peaceful and defensive,” with potential roles including escorting vessels and supporting mine-clearing operations. More than a dozen countries have expressed willingness to contribute assets, though participation levels remain limited compared to broader international coalitions.
Leaders from several European nations attended the Paris meeting, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Additional participants, including representatives from Australia, Canada, South Korea, Ukraine, China, and India, joined remotely.
Meloni said Italy is prepared to contribute naval resources, while Merz indicated Germany could provide mine-clearing and intelligence support, contingent on parliamentary approval and a legal framework such as a United Nations mandate.
The initiative follows significant disruption to global energy markets after conflict in the region led to reduced shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for roughly one-fifth of global oil transit. Prices surged after the waterway was effectively closed earlier this year.
Experts have suggested that the proposed coalition is more likely to focus on monitoring threats and clearing hazards rather than directly escorting tankers, due to the scale of resources required for continuous protection.
European officials also indicated the effort reflects a broader attempt to demonstrate independent security capabilities. The United States is not currently participating in the planning for the initiative.
Trump responded to allied outreach by dismissing the need for additional support, stating in a public message that NATO assistance was unnecessary following the reopening of the strait.
As ceasefire conditions allow limited resumption of shipping, leaders emphasized that maintaining long-term access to the corridor remains a priority, with further coordination expected in the coming weeks.
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