France will soon convene a conference with the United Kingdom and other willing nations to organise a multinational effort aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, President Emmanuel Macron said.
In a post on X, Macron stated, “With regards to the Strait of Hormuz, we will be organising in the coming days a conference with the United Kingdom and those countries willing to join us in a peaceful multinational mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the strait.”
He emphasised that the proposed naval initiative would be strictly defensive and independent of ongoing conflicts in the region.
“This strictly defensive mission, which will be separate from the warring parties, is intended to be deployed as soon as the situation allows,” he added.
In a longer statement, Macron underscored the urgency of pursuing diplomatic solutions to the broader Middle East crisis.
“No effort must be spared to swiftly reach, through diplomatic means, a strong and lasting settlement to the conflict in the Middle East,” he said, adding that any resolution must ensure “a robust framework enabling all to live in peace and security.”
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Macron noted that key regional challenges must be addressed comprehensively, including Iran's nuclear and ballistic programmes, its regional activities, and the need to restore unimpeded navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. He also highlighted the importance of stability in Lebanon, calling for a return to peace in full respect of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Reiterating France's position, Macron said, “France stands ready to play its full part, as it has consistently sought to do since the very first day of the conflict.”
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