British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Monday that closing the Strait of Hormuz is “deeply damaging” to global shipping and is adding to the pressure on livelihoods around the world, as Britain and France prepare to co-host a high-level summit this week.Starmer said Britain had already brought together representatives from more than 40 countries who share the goal of restoring freedom of navigation through the vital oil transit route. “This week the UK and France will co-host a summit to advance work on a co-ordinated, independent, multinational plan to protect international shipping once the conflict ends,” Starmer tweeted.The upcoming summit, co-hosted with France, will focus on putting forward a “coordinated, independent, multinational plan” to protect international shipping after the current conflict ends.The Strait of Hormuz, which carries about one-fifth of global oil consumption, has been effectively closed due to rising tensions between the United States and Iran, disrupting maritime trade flows and raising global economic concerns.
What did Macron say?
French President Emmanuel Macron said Paris and London aimed to convene countries willing to participate in a “strictly defensive” multinational mission to ensure safe passage through the strait.Macron said the proposed operation would remain separate from the warring parties and could be deployed “as soon as circumstances permit”.The purpose of this initiative is to restore freedom of navigation through a peaceful, coordinated international effort.
US blockade plan increases tension
The development comes as the United States moves forward with a military blockade targeting maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports. Announced by the United States Central Command, the blockade is set to be applied impartially to ships of all countries accessing Iranian ports in the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.US President Donald Trump said that this step has been taken after failed talks with Iran over its nuclear program and control over the strait. While Washington clarified that ships traveling to non-Iranian ports would not be disrupted, the move has heightened tensions in the region.Britain has indicated that it will not participate in enforcing the blockade, although it has maintained a naval presence in the area, including anti-mine capabilities.The planned UK-France summit is expected to explore post-conflict arrangements to stabilize sea routes and prevent further disruption to global trade.