The UK and France are preparing to host a significant meeting of defense ministers on Tuesday. This multinational gathering will focus on military strategies to ensure safe trade flows through the Strait of Hormuz.
The announcement follows a stern warning from Iran against the deployment of warships by London and Paris.
British Defence Secretary John Healey will co-chair the meeting with French Minister Catherine Vautrin. The event will involve representatives from over 40 nations.
This virtual meeting is a continuation of discussions held in London last month, where military planners debated the logistics of a multinational mission aimed at protecting navigation in the region.
We are turning diplomatic agreement into practical military plans to restore confidence for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
John Healey
Recent military deployments include France’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, and the UK's destroyer, HMS Dragon. Both countries describe these actions as necessary preparations for a potential international mission.
Despite the deployments, Iran's deputy foreign minister issued a warning that any foreign warships would face a "decisive and immediate response."
Kazem Gharibabadi emphasized that only Iran is capable of ensuring security in the Strait.
French President Emmanuel Macron, however, clarified that France never intended to deploy naval forces in the strait and aims for a security mission in coordination with Iran.
The British defense ministry highlighted that deploying HMS Dragon is part of a strategy to bolster confidence among commercial shipping and support mine clearance efforts.
Before the onset of hostilities in the region, approximately 20% of the world's oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz, a figure that has been significantly impacted due to recent tensions.