40 countries discuss military mission in Strait of Hormuz amid maritime security concerns

• France and the United Kingdom host a 40-nation meeting in Paris on maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
• Talks focus on protecting shipping lanes and safeguarding more than 20,000 stranded sailors.

France and the United Kingdom are hosting a meeting of around 40 countries in Paris on Friday to discuss maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, with a focus on ensuring freedom of navigation and protecting global shipping routes.

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Leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni are expected to participate in person, while officials from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East will join virtually. China has also been invited, though it is unclear whether it will attend.

Focus on shipping and stranded crews

According to a briefing circulated to invited states, the agenda includes the economic impact on global shipping and the safety of more than 20,000 sailors reported to be stranded, along with commercial vessels affected by the ongoing disruption in the region.

Read more: Australia ready for Hormuz mission if asked, new defense chief says

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical energy corridor, and recent tensions have raised concerns over sustained disruption to maritime traffic and global supply chains.

Planning for potential multinational mission

The meeting is also expected to outline preparations for a defensive, multinational military mission to secure the strait once conditions allow.

A joint statement is expected at the end of the summit, though officials say it will not detail individual national contributions. Britain indicated that the talks will lead directly to further military planning discussions scheduled for next week.

The proposed initiative does not currently include the United States or Iran, although European diplomats say any workable framework would eventually require coordination with both sides.

Rising tensions in the Gulf

Since the outbreak of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran in late February, Tehran has imposed restrictions on maritime movement through the strait, contributing to volatility in energy markets and global shipping routes.

Reports suggest Iran has not fully closed the waterway but has limited passage and imposed coordination requirements on vessel movement.

Following the collapse of recent US-Iran talks, Washington announced maritime measures targeting Iranian shipping activity, escalating tensions in the region.

Strategic risks and global impact

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most sensitive maritime chokepoints, with any disruption carrying immediate consequences for global energy prices and trade stability.

European governments have expressed concern that any direct military escort mission could escalate tensions, while still signalling willingness to act if a sustained ceasefire or de-escalation is achieved.