Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Elysée Palace in Paris, April 17, 2026. TOM NICHOLSON / AP
France and Britain said on Friday, April 17, they will lead a multinational mission ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, while emphasizing the force would be entirely defensive – and only deployed once a peace in the region was agreed. "I can confirm that, along with France, the UK will lead a multinational mission to protect freedom of navigation as soon as conditions allow," British Prime Minister Starmer said after co-chairing a meeting in Paris on the issue alongside French President Emmanuel Macron.
The event brought together over 30 other heads of state and government, most of them mainly attending by video link. Neither the United States nor Iran participated. "This will be strictly peaceful and defensive as a mission to reassure commercial shipping and support mine clearance," said Starmer, adding that "over a dozen countries have already offered to contribute assets."
As the Paris talks were being held, Iran announced that the key shipping route would be open to commercial vessels as long as a ceasefire in the Middle East lasts. US President Donald Trump responded by saying his navy's blockade just outside the Strait of Hormuz of ships going to or from Iranian ports remains "in full force and effect."
