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Countries to Discuss Hormuz Mission for When Conflict Ends
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 17, 2026
3 min readLast updated: April 17, 2026
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On April 17 in Paris, France and Britain chaired a 40‑nation meeting to herald allies’ readiness to support a future defensive mission ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities cease. The meeting aims to reaffirm support for international maritime law, address stranded
Countries Plan Multinational Mission for Hormuz Strait as Conflict Subsides
International Response to Strait of Hormuz Crisis
By John Irish
Diplomatic Efforts and Meeting Objectives
PARIS, April 17 (Reuters) - France and Britain will chair a meeting on Friday of around 40 countries aimed at signalling to the United States that some of its closest allies are ready to play a role in restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz once conditions allow.
Iran has largely closed the strait to ships other than its own since the start of U.S.-Israeli air strikes on February 28. On Monday, Washington imposed a blockade on ships entering or leaving Iranian ports.
U.S. President Donald Trump has called on other countries to help enforce the blockade and has criticised NATO allies for not doing so.
Britain, France and others say joining the blockade would amount to entering the war, but they have said they would be willing to help keep the strait open once there is a lasting ceasefire or the conflict ends.
Exclusion of the United States and Iran
The initiative being discussed does not for now include the United States or Iran, though European diplomats said any realistic mission would ultimately need to be coordinated with both. Washington will be briefed on the outcome of the talks.
Safety and Economic Concerns in the Strait
Safety of Stranded Seafarers
SAFETY OF STRANDED SEAFARERS
According to a note sent to invited nations, the aim of the meeting is to reaffirm full diplomatic support for unfettered freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the need to respect international law.
The meeting will also address economic challenges facing the shipping industry and the safety of more than 20,000 stranded seafarers and trapped commercial vessels.
Preparations for a Multinational Military Mission
It will also outline preparations for the deployment - when conditions are met - of a strictly defensive multinational military mission to ensure freedom of navigation.
A chair’s statement is expected at the end of the meeting to give a more tangible sense of what such a mission could entail, although it is not expected to spell out what specific countries might contribute.
Leadership and Participation in the Mission
High-Level Attendees
RESOURCES WILL DEPEND ON SITUATION, OFFICIAL SAYS
President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will attend the meeting in Paris, while officials from across Europe, Asia and the Middle East will join by video conference.
China has been invited, although it was not clear whether it will take part.
Mission Feasibility and Industry Needs
Several diplomats said the mission might never materialise if the situation in Hormuz returned to normal.
Others said shipping companies and insurers could seek such a deployment during a transitional phase to provide reassurance.
Potential Mission Components
"It can involve intelligence sharing, mine-clearance capabilities, military escorts, information procedures with neighbouring countries and more,” a senior French official briefing reporters said.
"The objective is clear, and the resources deployed will naturally depend on the situation."
Next Steps in Multinational Planning
Britain said Friday's talks would feed directly into a multinational military planning meeting next week.
(Reporting by John Irish in Paris; Additional reporting by Sam Tabahriti in London;Editing by Alison Williams)
Key Takeaways
- •France and the UK are convening around 40 countries to signal their readiness to secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz post‑conflict, emphasizing diplomatic—not combatant—roles.
- •Since February 28, Iran has largely closed the strait to ships besides its own, and the U.S. has instituted a naval blockade of Iranian ports starting April 13, underscoring urgency of coordination once ceasefire holds.
- •The proposed mission would be defensive, possibly involving mine‑clearance, military escorts, and intelligence sharing, with operational plans hinging on de‑escalation and eventual coordination with both the U.S. and Iran.
Frequently Asked Questions about Countries to discuss Hormuz mission for when conflict ends
1Who is leading the talks on the Strait of Hormuz mission?
France and Britain are chairing the meeting, with participation from around 40 countries and support from major European leaders.
2What is the main goal of the Hormuz meeting?
The goal is to reaffirm support for freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and plan a defensive multinational military mission after the conflict ends.
3Will the United States or Iran be part of the mission planning?
Currently, the initiative excludes the United States and Iran, but coordination with both would be necessary for any future mission.
4What issues will the meeting address besides military planning?
The meeting will discuss economic challenges for the shipping industry, the safety of over 20,000 stranded seafarers, and preparations for navigation security.
5What resources might the mission involve?
Potential resources could include intelligence sharing, mine-clearance, military escorts, and information procedures with neighboring countries.
