Kamal Ghorui
French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday announced that France and the United Kingdom will jointly lead a multinational initiative to restore free and secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions rise over control of the strategic waterway between the United States and Iran.The announcement comes amid growing geopolitical friction after the US Central Command (CENTCOM) moved to impose restrictions on maritime traffic linked to Iranian ports. According to CENTCOM, the measures are being implemented under a directive from US President Donald Trump and will apply to vessels of all nationalities operating in and out of Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.CENTCOM clarified that the restrictions target port activity associated with Iran, while freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz for vessels transiting between non-Iranian ports will remain unaffected.In response, Iran strongly criticised the US move, warning that maritime security in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman could be jeopardised if its security interests are threatened. Iranian authorities also said they would continue to enforce control over access to the Strait, allowing passage under their regulations while restricting vessels linked to hostile entities.Against this backdrop, Macron said the proposed initiative is part of broader diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East and ensure long-term regional stability. He emphasised that the mission would be “strictly defensive” and separate from parties involved in ongoing hostilities.Macron said France and the UK will convene a conference in the coming days with countries willing to contribute to a “peaceful multinational mission” aimed at safeguarding maritime traffic through the key energy route.“Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, we will organise with the United Kingdom, in the coming days, a conference with countries ready to contribute alongside us to a peaceful multinational mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the strait. This strictly defensive mission, distinct from the belligerents, will be deployed as soon as the situation allows,” Macron said.He added that the initiative is linked to wider regional concerns, including Iran’s nuclear and ballistic activities and what he described as destabilising actions, even as a two-week ceasefire remains in place between US-Israel coalition forces and Iran after more than a month of conflict.Macron also said the effort forms part of a broader push for diplomatic solutions in West Asia, including restoring stability in Lebanon while respecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity.Macron reiterated that France is ready to play a “full part” in the initiative, adding that the mission would be deployed once conditions allow.
