UK and France to lead defensive mission in Strait of Hormuz
The UK and France will lead a multinational mission to protect commercial shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Sir Keir Starmer. The prime minister underlined the work would be "strictly peaceful and defensive" and would only be put in place once fighting in the region ends. Sir Keir said dozens of countries had offered to "contribute assets" to the joint mission with France.
Iran effectively blocked the waterway since the US and Israel attacked the country in late February, driving up global energy and fuel prices. On Friday, Iran's foreign minister said the route was now "completely open" and US President Donald Trump made a similar announcement. Trump criticised Nato for being "useless when needed" and said he told them to "STAY AWAY, UNLESS THEY JUST WANT TO LOAD UP THEIR SHIPS WITH OIL". Trump said his own naval blockade of vessels moving in and out of Iranian ports would remain in force. Emmanuel Macron said that the closure of the strait has had "very severe consequences" on "the whole of the planet and the global economy". German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that Germany "stands ready to play its part in ensuring freedom of navigation" and that it would be "desirable" for the US to be involved.
Sir Keir confirmed more details of the mission will be announced next week, following a military planning conference in London. Tehran promised the Strait of Hormuz will be completely open to commercial vessels until the middle of next week, when a temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran will end.
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The UK and France are set to spearhead a multinational defensive mission in the Strait of Hormuz. With global trade routes at stake, many nations are watching closely - but what does this mean for the region?
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