U.K., France signal joint maritime mission after leaders’ meeting on Strait of Hormuz access

Leaders from multiple countries met Friday under the leadership of the United Kingdom and France to discuss access to the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route.

According to a statement from the U.K. prime minister’s office, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said participating countries welcomed Iran’s decision to keep the waterway open. He said leaders agreed the route must remain accessible without tolls or restrictions, citing its importance to global trade and energy supply.

Starmer said reopening and maintaining shipping through the strait is critical to stabilizing economic pressures linked to disruptions in maritime traffic. He added that delays in access could have broader impacts on international markets.

He announced that the U.K. and France will lead a proposed international mission aimed at safeguarding freedom of navigation. According to the statement, the mission is expected to be defensive in nature and focused on ensuring safe passage for commercial vessels.

A follow-up meeting is scheduled to take place in London next week, where approximately a dozen countries are expected to outline contributions of resources and support for the initiative.