UK and France to lead defensive mission in Strait of Hormuz
TL;DR
The UK and France will lead a multinational mission to secure shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz, focusing on peaceful and defensive measures. This comes after Iran's recent blockade of the waterway, which has impacted global energy prices.
Key points
- UK and France to lead a multinational mission
- Mission aims to protect shipping routes
- Iran blocked the waterway since US and Israel's attack
- Global energy prices have increased
- Iran claims the strait is now open
Mentioned in this story
The UK and France will lead a multinational mission to protect commercial shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz, Sir Keir Starmer has said.
Speaking after a meeting of 49 countries, the prime minister underlined the work would be "strictly peaceful and defensive" and would only be put in place once fighting in the region ends.
Iran effectively blocked the waterway since the US and Israel attacked the country in late February, driving up global energy and fuel prices.
On Friday, Iran's foreign minister said the route was now "completely open" and US President Donald Trump confirmed the news and criticised Nato for being "useless when needed".
Tehran promised the strait will be completely open to commercial vessels until the middle of next week, when a temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran will end.
Trump said his own naval blockade of vessels moving in and out of Iranian ports would remain in force.
Declaring that the "Hormuz Strait situation is over", he added that he had received a call from Nato offering help.
"I TOLD THEM TO STAY AWAY, UNLESS THEY JUST WANT TO LOAD UP THEIR SHIPS WITH OIL. They were useless when needed, a Paper Tiger!"
Trump has repeatedly criticised Nato, and more specifically the UK, during the Iran war.
Sir Keir's position has been that the UK would not be "dragged" into the conflict and he previously said the UK would not support the blockade.
Meanwhile, the UK prime minister said dozens of countries had offered to "contribute assets" to the joint mission with France.
"This will be strictly peaceful and defensive, as a mission to reassure commercial shipping and support mine clearance," he said alongside French President Emmanuel Macron.
"We invite all nations with an interest in the free flow of global trade to join us. Some have already indicated their readiness to contribute."
Sir Keir confirmed more details of the mission will be announced next week, following a military planning conference in London.
Macron added that the closure of the strait has had "very severe consequences" on "the whole of the planet and the global economy".
"Recent events are encouraging, even if we have to remain prudent," he said.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who has not said if his country will assist the UK-France mission, said it would be "desirable" for the US to be involved.
Q&A
What is the purpose of the UK and France's mission in the Strait of Hormuz?
The mission aims to protect commercial shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz and is described as strictly peaceful and defensive.
How has Iran's actions affected global energy prices?
Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has driven up global energy and fuel prices due to disruptions in shipping.
What did Iran's foreign minister say about the Strait of Hormuz?
Iran's foreign minister stated that the Strait of Hormuz is now 'completely open' to commercial vessels, promising access until the temporary ceasefire ends next week.
