France, UK to host conference for neutral mission in Strait of Hormuz
France’s President Emmanuel Macron
Abdullateef Fowewe
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France and Britain will co-host a conference to rally countries for a “strictly defensive” multinational mission to restore free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, separate from warring parties.
In a statement on Monday, Macron stressed diplomatic urgency, “No effort must be spared to swiftly reach, through diplomatic means, a strong and lasting settlement to the conflict in the Middle East.”
He outlined key issues, including “Iran’s nuclear and ballistic activities, its destabilising actions in the region,” securing “free and unimpeded navigation through the Strait of Hormuz,” and ensuring Lebanon’s sovereignty.
The mission aims to deploy “as soon as circumstances permit.”
