The United Kingdom and France will co host a virtual meeting of more than 40 defense ministers to advance plans for a multinational mission aimed at restoring commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The talks follow earlier military planning sessions in London and are intended to turn diplomatic efforts into practical steps to safeguard navigation after a sustainable ceasefire.

Both countries have moved naval assets to the region ahead of any formal mission. France has deployed its nuclear powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, while the United Kingdom has sent the destroyer Dragon, describing the moves as precautionary positioning to bolster confidence in maritime security and support future mine clearance operations.

Iran has warned that any foreign warships entering the strait would face a decisive and immediate response, insisting that it alone can ensure security in the waterway. President Emmanuel Macron said France had not envisioned a naval deployment in the strait itself and emphasized that any security effort would be coordinated with Iran, while rejecting blockades or transit fees.

The strategic passage, through which about a fifth of the world’s oil supply moved before the recent conflict, has seen traffic sharply reduced. Iran largely closed the strait during the fighting, and the United States later imposed a blockade on Iranian ports, contributing to market turmoil and rising oil prices.