UK and France to Hold International Video Conference on Hormuz Strait Passage on the 17th

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron will hold an international video conference on the 17th (local time) to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Bloomberg News and other sources on the 14th (local time), the French presidential office, the Élysée Palace, stated, "We will discuss plans to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz when the security situation allows."

Keir Starmer, UK Prime Minister (left), and Emmanuel Macron, President of France. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

So far, the United Kingdom and France have maintained the position that, while not actively intervening in the war in Iran, they could carry out defensive missions to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities cease.

A spokesperson for the UK Prime Minister's Office also stated, "This conference will advance efforts for a coordinated and independent multinational plan to protect international shipping after the conflict ends."

Previously, on the 26th of last month, a video conference was held under the chairmanship of the French Chief of Defense Staff, with military leaders from 35 countries discussing the situation in the Middle East. On the 2nd of this month, more than 40 foreign ministers, led by the United Kingdom, sought ways to ensure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. South Korea also participated in these meetings. However, citing European officials, Bloomberg reported that there was little progress made at these international conferences regarding the composition of naval missions, and that participating countries did not want to deploy naval forces until a permanent ceasefire is achieved.

One official stated that discussions so far have focused more on pursuing diplomatic solutions than military responses. Another source explained that even within the UK and France, which are leading the meetings, there is not yet a fully unified position on how to utilize naval power, particularly regarding the role of the United States.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.