British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Monday that the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz is “devastatingly damaging” global shipping and adding to cost-of-living pressures around the world, as Britain and France prepare to host a high-level summit this week.Starmer said the UK had already brought together representatives from more than 40 countries that shared the goal of restoring freedom of navigation along the vital oil transit route. “This week the UK and France will host a joint summit to promote work on a coordinated, independent, multinational plan to protect international shipping when the conflict ends,” Starmer said on Twitter.
The upcoming summit, hosted by France, will focus on presenting a “coordinated, independent and multinational plan” to protect international shipping once the ongoing conflict ends.The Strait of Hormuz, which transports nearly a fifth of global oil consumption, has been closed amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, disrupting maritime trade flows and raising global economic concerns.
What did Macron say?
French President Emmanuel Macron said that Paris and London aim to bring together countries willing to participate in a “strictly defensive” multinational mission to ensure safe passage through the strait.
Macron added that the proposed operation would remain separate from the warring parties and could be deployed “as soon as circumstances allow.”
The initiative aims to restore freedom of navigation through a peaceful and coordinated international effort.
The American blockade plan increases tensions
These developments come at a time when the United States is moving forward with imposing a military blockade targeting maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports. The blockade, announced by the United States Central Command, will be imposed neutrally on ships of all countries arriving at Iranian ports via the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.US President Donald Trump said that this step came in the wake of failed negotiations with Iran regarding its nuclear program and control of the Strait. While Washington made clear that ships heading to non-Iranian ports would not be obstructed, this move led to increased tensions in the region.Britain has indicated that it will not participate in enforcing the blockade, although it continues to maintain a naval presence in the region, including mine countermeasures capabilities.The planned British-French summit is expected to explore post-conflict arrangements to stabilize sea routes and prevent further disruption to global trade.
