The United Kingdom and France are preparing a multinational naval mission to help secure commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz after months of conflict and severe energy market disruption. A British destroyer is heading toward the region, and London has pledged additional mine-hunting drones, counter-drone systems and fighter jets for a defensive operation involving about 40 nations. Officials say the mission will begin only when conditions allow and will focus on protecting freedom of navigation.

Tensions remain high, however, with Iran warning that any expanded Western naval presence near its waters would be seen as an escalation. While Paris and London have described the effort as strictly defensive and coordinated where possible, Tehran has continued to control traffic through the strait and has threatened further action if pressure from Washington persists. Sporadic seizures and attacks on vessels have underscored the fragility of the situation.

The near-closure of the waterway, through which a significant share of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes, has triggered a major supply shock. The International Energy Agency says global markets are now facing a severe shortfall that could last into next year, even if the conflict eases soon.

Analysts say the proposed mission may carry political weight and reassure some shippers, but it cannot by itself resolve what is fundamentally a political standoff. They argue that only a broader diplomatic agreement between the United States and Iran can fully restore safe and stable passage through the strait.