40 Nations Meet to Address Strait of Hormuz Crisis

France and the United Kingdom are leading a high-level meeting of around 40 countries in Paris to discuss restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, amid escalating tensions in one of the world’s most critical shipping routes.

The talks aim to signal to the US that key allies are prepared to play a role in securing maritime traffic once conditions allow, without directly joining ongoing military actions.

Iran has largely restricted access to the strait for non-Iranian vessels since the start of US and Israeli airstrikes on February 28, while Washington imposed a naval blockade earlier this week targeting ships entering or leaving Iranian ports.

US President Donald Trump has urged allies to support the blockade and criticized NATO members for not taking part. However, France, the UK, and other countries have warned that joining such actions could amount to entering the conflict.

Instead, European powers are considering a separate multinational, defensive mission to ensure safe passage through the strait once a lasting ceasefire is achieved or hostilities subside. The current initiative does not include the US or Iran, although diplomats say any future operation would likely require coordination with both.

According to diplomatic briefings, the meeting will reaffirm support for unrestricted navigation and adherence to international law, while also addressing economic disruptions in global shipping and the safety of more than 20,000 stranded seafarers and commercial vessels.

The discussions will also outline preparations for a potential multinational maritime mission to be deployed when conditions permit.

The summit brings together major leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, alongside officials from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East participating virtually.

British officials said the meeting will be followed by a multinational military planning session next week, signaling a coordinated international effort to safeguard one of the world’s most vital energy corridors.