France and Britain will chair a meeting on Friday of about 40 countries to signal that some of their closest allies are prepared to help restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz once conditions permit, according to Reuters.
Iran has largely restricted passage through the waterway to its own vessels since the start of U.S.-Israeli air strikes on Feb. 28. Washington separately imposed a blockade earlier this week on ships entering or leaving Iranian ports, according to Reuters.
U.S. President Donald Trump has urged allies to support enforcement of the measures, while criticizing NATO partners for what he called insufficient action.
Britain, France and other European states have said joining any blockade would constitute participation in the conflict, though they have indicated readiness to help secure the strait after a ceasefire or end to hostilities.
The initiative under discussion excludes both the United States and Iran at this stage, although diplomats said any viable mission would ultimately require coordination with both sides. Washington is expected to be briefed on the outcome of the talks.
The meeting agenda focuses on reaffirming support for unrestricted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and upholding international law, according to an invitation note sent to participating countries.
It will also examine disruptions to global shipping, including the safety of more than 20,000 stranded seafarers and commercial vessels unable to move freely in the region.
Plans for a possible future deployment of a strictly defensive multinational mission are expected to be outlined, contingent on improved conditions, aimed at safeguarding navigation.
A chair’s statement is expected at the end of the meeting to indicate potential contours of such a mission, though without specifying national contributions.
French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni are expected to attend in Paris, with other officials joining remotely from Europe, Asia and the Middle East. China has also been invited, though its participation remains uncertain.
Officials said the initiative may never be activated if conditions in the Strait of Hormuz stabilize. Others noted that shipping firms and insurers could still push for such a mission during any transitional phase to restore confidence.
A senior French official said possible elements could include intelligence sharing, mine-clearance capabilities, naval escorts and coordination mechanisms with regional states.
“The objective is clear, and the resources deployed will naturally depend on the situation,” the official said.
Britain said Friday’s discussions would feed into a broader multinational military planning session next week.
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