The European Union is considering the creation of a multinational defense mission to restore and protect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The first formal step is scheduled to take place on Friday, when France and Britain will co-host a video conference of EU states and partners willing to contribute to the “purely defensive mission”.
According to reports, talks are expected to focus restoring full freedom of navigation and security in the Strait of Hormuz, possible sanctions against Iran if the strait remains closed, the release of detained sailors and stranded ships, as well as cooperation with the shipping industry to facilitate a return to normal transit operations when conditions permit.
A spokesperson for the British PM’s office said the summit aims to advance “a coordinated, independent, multinational plan to safeguard international shipping once the conflict ends”.
Starmer said on Monday that the UK had already brought together representatives from more than 40 countries.
Speaking to Radio France Internationale on Tuesday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said several dozen countries have already taken part in preparatory work led in particular by the chiefs of staff to define the framework for such a mission.
“It is a matter of coordinating with the coastal states,” he added.
Meanwhile, Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said damages from recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran are estimated at around 270 billion dollars, though she noted the figure could be revised.
In parallel diplomatic developments, Reuters reports that the US and Iran may be preparing for a new round of negotiations this week aimed at de-escalating the conflict. Previous talks collapsed, leading to heightened restrictions on Iranian maritime access.
