France, UK to lead multinational Hormuz mission 'as soon as conditions allow': Starmer

AFP , Friday 17 Apr 2026

France and the UK will lead a multinational mission including Germany to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz as "soon as conditions allow", UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Friday after co-chairing a meeting on the issue with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) reacts behind France's President Emmanuel Macron as he attends a joint press conference following an international summit on efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz at the Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris. AFP

"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".

Speaking alongside leaders from the UK, France and Italy after a meeting in Paris, Merz said Germany would "take part in the further military planning discussions that are taking place, and we would also welcome, if possible, the participation of the United States of America".

In parallel, French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday urged the unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after Tehran declared that the key shipping route would be open as long as a ceasefire in the Middle East lasts.

"We welcome the announcement," Macron said after a meeting of heads of state and government mainly by video conference, adding the leaders urged the "full, unconditional reopening by all the parties" of the Strait of Hormuz.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also hailed the announcement, which was made on X by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during their meeting, but added: "We need to make sure that it is lasting and a workable proposal."

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Friday it would be "desirable" to have US participation in any possible mission to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.