A joint Franco-British initiative to safeguard navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is gaining momentum, as defence officials from multiple countries work towards a unified operational plan following high-level political backing.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey and his French counterpart Catherine Vautrin on Thursday urged military representatives meeting in London to finalise a coordinated framework to ensure maritime security in the strategic waterway. Both ministers expressed confidence in the progress achieved so far.
The London meeting follows a summit held in Paris on 17 April, where around 30 world leaders discussed the same objective. At that gathering, French President Emmanuel Macron outlined the concept of a “neutral mission” with no affiliation to any party involved in the conflict, aimed solely at protecting shipping routes. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer noted that more than a dozen countries had already indicated willingness to contribute to such a “peaceful and defensive” force.
Paris and London have stressed that deployment of the mission would only proceed if a sustainable peace is secured in the region.
In a joint statement, the two ministers welcomed the ceasefire in Iran, which was extended on Tuesday by US President Donald Trump. They expressed hope that the truce would hold and lead to a permanent end to hostilities, while underlining that planning efforts would continue regardless.
An operational planning group tasked with restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait presented its findings on Wednesday. The waterway has been largely disrupted since the start of Israeli and US strikes against Iran on 28 February.
According to the ministers, the role of military experts convened in London is to translate political consensus into concrete military options through a coordinated and unified plan aimed at ensuring safe passage and supporting a lasting ceasefire.
They emphasised that turning diplomatic momentum into action requires rigorous planning, frank discussions and firm commitments from allied nations and partners, expressing appreciation to those already willing to contribute.
“We are confident that real progress can be achieved,” they said.
The meeting is being held at the Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood, northwest of London.
Source: AMNA