France and Britain Lead 40-Nation Talks on Hormuz Security

France and Britain are set to chair a meeting with 40 nations on Friday to address security in the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to signal to the United States and allies their readiness to restore freedom of navigation when conditions allow. This initiative comes amid escalating tensions in the strategic waterway, particularly following a U.S.-Israeli airstrike on February 28, which led to the U.S. imposing a blockade on ships entering and leaving Iranian ports.

While the U.S. President Donald Trump has urged allied nations to support the blockade, Britain and France, along with other European countries, have expressed a willingness to support efforts to secure the strait once a ceasefire is achieved.

The planned mission currently excludes the U.S. and Iran, although coordination with both countries will be necessary. The meeting will reaffirm support for unrestricted navigation and discuss the economic impacts of the crisis, including the plight of 20,000 stranded seafarers.

Key leaders expected to attend include French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.