France-Britain to host Hormuz Strait navigation mission conference

France will hold a conference with Britain in the coming days to bring together countries willing to contribute to a multinational mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the initiative would focus on establishing a "multinational peace mission" to secure maritime routes through the strategic waterway, stressing that the effort would be "purely defensive" and separate from parties involved in the conflict.

The mission is intended to be deployed "as soon as circumstances permit."

The announcement is part of a broader French effort to push for a diplomatic resolution to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Reporting from Anadolu, Monday, April 13, Macron stressed that "no effort should be overlooked" to reach a quick and lasting settlement through diplomacy, calling for a framework that would allow all parties in the region to live in peace and security.

He underlined that any long-term solution must address key issues, including Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile activities, its regional actions, and the urgent need to restore "free and unhindered navigation" in the Strait of Hormuz.

Macron also pointed to the importance of stabilizing Lebanon, saying the country must return to the path of peace with full respect for its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Reiterating France's position, he said Paris was ready to "play its full role" in diplomatic and security efforts, as it has been trying to do since the start of the conflict.