New defense mission in the Strait of Hormuz: What are France and the UK planning?
Following the cessation of military operations in the Middle East, a new defense mission is being established to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that Paris and London will organize a special conference for countries prepared to participate in this peacekeeping initiative.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the French leader shared this update on his X social media account.
"Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, in the coming days, together with the United Kingdom, we will organize a conference with countries ready to contribute alongside us to a peaceful multinational mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the strait. This is a purely defensive mission, separate from the warring parties in the conflict, and is intended to be deployed as soon as conditions permit," Macron wrote.
Diplomatic solution in the Middle East: France's key objectives
The French President also emphasized that France is ready to play a central role in settling the conflict in the Middle East through diplomatic channels.
"Every effort must be made to achieve a firm and long-term settlement of the conflict in the Middle East through diplomacy as soon as possible. Such a settlement should serve as a reliable foundation for the region, allowing everyone to live in peace and security," he stated.
According to the President, all key issues—including Iran's nuclear and ballistic programs, the urgent need to restore free and safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and returning Lebanon to a path of peace while fully respecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity—must be addressed within a long-term framework.
Tensions between US, Israel, and Iran: Ceasefire and expected blockade
It should be recalled that on February 28, the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran, conducting airstrikes on several cities. Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed as a result of the strikes that same day. In response, Iran launched missile strikes on Israeli territory and attacked US military bases in the Persian Gulf countries.
Iran, the US, and their allies agreed to a two-week ceasefire on the night of April 8, 2026. Negotiations between Iran and the US were held in Islamabad on April 11-12 with the mediation of Pakistan.
When will the US military block the Strait of Hormuz?
Notably, US President Donald Trump stated yesterday that the US military plans to begin blocking the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, April 13, at 10:00 AM US Eastern Time (18:00 Baku time).
Context: The strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most vital maritime chokepoints, situated between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. It serves as the primary artery for global energy supplies, with approximately one-fifth of the world's total oil consumption passing through the waterway daily. Given its strategic significance, any disruption to navigation in the strait has immediate and profound implications for global energy security and international trade stability. The proposed multinational mission led by France and the UK seeks to provide a security buffer to prevent economic volatility resulting from regional military tensions.
