The premier officials of France and the UK will convene representatives from numerous countries, excluding the US, in an effort to advance initiatives aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
This strategic waterway, vital for oil transportation, has been blocked due to the conflict between the US and Israel against Iran.
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The gathering in Paris is a component of efforts by marginalized countries to mitigate the repercussions of a conflict they were not responsible for initiating or participating in, yet has had significant adverse effects on the global economy.
Following the commencement of hostilities on February 28, Iran successfully blocked the narrow strait that typically facilitates the passage of twenty percent of the world's oil.
The US is not involved in the strategic planning of the initiative known as the Strait of Hormuz Maritime Freedom of Navigation Initiative.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated in a message on X prior to the upcoming conference that the mission's objective is to ensure security for shipping in the strait, with a focus on defensive measures and participation restricted to non-aggressive nations, to be activated only under favorable security conditions.
Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have taken the lead in global initiatives aimed at amplifying diplomatic and economic measures against Iran, accused by Starmer of engaging in economic coercion on a global scale. The declaration by US President Donald Trump of a retaliatory American embargo on Iranian ports has escalated economic risks even further.
“The unconditional and immediate reopening of the Strait is a global responsibility, and we need to act to get global energy and trade flowing freely again”, Starmer says.
France and Britain have taken the lead in organizing military strategy meetings, reminiscent of the 'coalition of the willing' formed to ensure security for Ukraine following a potential ceasefire in the conflict.
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French military spokesman Colonel Guillaume Vernet stated that the mission is currently undergoing development. According to Macron's office, participants will make contributions based on their respective capabilities, emphasizing that measures to guarantee secure transit through the strait will be contingent upon the security environment following a sustainable cessation of hostilities.
Sidharth Kaushal, a research fellow specializing in sea power at the esteemed Royal United Services Institute think tank, posited that tasks such as mine clearance and the establishment of a sophisticated maritime threat warning system are more probable responsibilities for the coalition as opposed to the deployment of warships for escorting commercial tankers through the strait.
Ellie Geranmayeh, an expert on Iran and the deputy leader of the Middle East and North Africa program at the European Council on Foreign Relations, highlighted the potential for European nations and their allies to contribute in the important task of mine clearance. Britain has explored the potential use of drone technology specialized in mine detection for a mission in the Hormuz Strait, with plans to deploy these drones from the vessel known as RFA Lyme Bay.
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In recent weeks, diplomatic or military meetings convened by France and the UK have been attended by over 40 nations, however, only a limited number are expected to offer military support. According to Macron's administration, approximately 30 nations are anticipated to participate in the discussions scheduled for Friday, with representation expected from various countries in the Middle East and Asia.
The specific countries in attendance have not been revealed. It is anticipated that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will be present at the event, while other leaders may join remotely through video.