Britain, France to lead Hormuz Strait mission soon, when conditions allow

European leaders on Saturday called for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans for a British-French-led multinational mission to protect maritime shipping.

Speaking after a video conference that brought together 49 countries, along with the European Union and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Starmer said participants agreed to accelerate military planning to secure the strategic waterway.

"I can confirm that, together with France, the UK will lead a multinational mission to protect freedom of navigation as soon as conditions permit," said Starmer, who described the operation as purely peaceful and defensive.

He added that the mission aims to provide a sense of security for commercial shipping and support mine clearance efforts. He also invited countries with interests in global trade to contribute.

More than 12 countries have signaled readiness to provide assets, he said, with a planning conference scheduled for next week in London.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron said the meeting aimed to ensure the reopening of the waterway amid regional tensions,

Macron also warned that the disruption had very serious consequences for global markets, including oil, gas and fertilizer supplies.

He also welcomed the "encouraging" announcement of a ceasefire involving Iran, the United States and Lebanon, but stressed the need for a sustainable solution.

"We all demand the full, immediate, and unconditional opening of the Strait of Hormuz," he said, adding that countries reject any restrictions or attempts to impose tariff systems or privatize the strait.

Iran on Friday said the Strait of Hormuz was now fully open to commercial vessels, in line with a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon that took effect at midnight Thursday, but through designated routes.

Tehran had previously blocked the main oil shipment route after the United States and Israel attacked the country on February 28.

The ceasefire between the US and Iran is scheduled to end on April 22, while talks towards a long-term peace are expected to take place soon in Islamabad.