France will soon co-host an international conference with Britain aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday.
In a post on X, Macron said the conference would bring together countries willing to join a “peaceful multinational mission” to secure safe passage through the strategic waterway. He stressed that any such mission would be strictly defensive and separate from the warring parties.
Emmanuel Macron said that France and the United Kingdom will soon host talks on forming a “peaceful multinational mission”
“In the coming days, together with the United Kingdom, we will organise a conference with those countries prepared to contribute alongside us to a peaceful… pic.twitter.com/rzsav6cGDX
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) April 13, 2026
The announcement comes as tensions remain high following the US decision to impose a naval blockade on Iranian ports, which took effect on Monday.
The Kremlin criticised the US move, warning that a blockade would harm global markets and create uncertainty. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said many aspects of the proposal were still unclear.
Iran reacted sharply, with the Armed Forces spokesperson calling the US restrictions “illegal” and an “act of piracy.” He warned that if Iranian ports are endangered, no port in the Gulf or Gulf of Oman would remain secure.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed concern over any new rules or an international force overseeing the strait, saying the waterway should be reopened through diplomacy rather than confrontation.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made it clear that the UK would not support a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. He told BBC Radio 5 Live that Britain’s focus is on getting the strait fully open through diplomatic efforts.
China also urged calm and restraint from all sides. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said keeping the Strait safe and unimpeded serves the common interest of the international community and that Beijing is ready to work with all parties to safeguard energy security.
The developments follow the collapse of weekend talks in Islamabad, where major differences remained over the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear programme. Despite the breakdown, both sides have left the door slightly open for further negotiations.
