UK and France Call for Permanent Opening of Strait of Hormuz... Over 12 Countries Ready for Defense Mission

by Hwang Yoonju

Published 18 Apr.2026 00:22(KST)

'Strait of Hormuz Freedom of Navigation Initiative' Held

Keir Starmer, British Prime Minister. Yonhap News Agency

The United Kingdom and France have called for the permanent opening of the Strait of Hormuz, declaring that they will take the lead in a defensive international mission in the strait.

On April 17 (local time), British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly chaired a virtual meeting of the 'Strait of Hormuz Freedom of Navigation Initiative' at the ?lys?e Palace in Paris.

After the meeting, the two leaders held a joint press conference, stating that more than 12 countries are ready to participate in the mission to defend freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

The meeting was attended by representatives from 49 countries and 2 international organizations, who discussed measures to ensure freedom of navigation and safety in the strait. However, the United States and Israel, both parties to the war with Iran, did not participate.

The meeting was originally convened to urge the reopening of the strait, but its focus shifted somewhat. This was due to a last-minute announcement by Iran's foreign minister, who declared that, in line with the Lebanon ceasefire, the Strait of Hormuz would be fully opened to merchant ships for the duration of the ceasefire period.

Prime Minister Starmer and President Macron, at the press conference, welcomed the temporary opening of the Strait of Hormuz but stressed that it must be permanent, vowing to continue with the international mission plan.

The meeting also shared concerns about supply chain instability and the impact on the global economy due to the prolonged war in the Middle East.

Earlier that morning, Prime Minister Starmer explained the significance of the meeting as "helping build a coalition of nations based on the principle that the ceasefire must be permanent, an agreement must be reached, and the strait must remain open."