Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a joint “defensive” mission with France to safeguard navigation in the vital Strait of Hormuz. The mission aims to maintain the Strait’s free access without tolls in a peaceful manner. Representatives from around 50 countries gathered both physically and virtually to discuss ensuring free shipping through the Strait.
India has been invited to participate in the discussions, with details of its role to be disclosed later by External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. The global economy, heavily reliant on the Strait through which 20% of the world’s fossil fuel passes, has been significantly impacted by its closure. Starmer revealed plans for a follow-up meeting in London next week to finalize operational details.
US President Donald Trump, critical of allies’ efforts in keeping the Strait open, rejected the joint initiative by Britain and France. Trump’s comments on NATO’s offer of assistance and Iran’s announcement of the Strait’s opening during a ceasefire stirred further tensions. While Iran declared the Strait open for commercial traffic, Trump affirmed the US blockade of Iranian ports would persist.
France’s President Emmanuel Macron, in alignment with other nations, demanded the immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait by all parties. Macron and other leaders opposed any privatization or imposition of tolls on ships passing through the strategic waterway. Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italy’s Prime Minister Georgia Meloni pledged their countries’ support for the peaceful patrol alongside Britain and France.
