France and Britain are set to chair a virtual meeting involving defense ministers from dozens of countries to discuss security in the Strait of Hormuz and possible participation in a future multinational maritime mission.
The British Ministry of Defence announced that around 40 countries will participate in Tuesday’s video conference.
According to the ministry, participants will discuss “military contributions to a defensive mission aimed at reopening and securing the Strait of Hormuz when conditions allow.”
British Defence Secretary John Healey, who will co-chair the meeting alongside French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin, stated: “Our role will be to ensure that we are not only talking, but also prepared to act.”
The meeting comes after the Islamic Republic warned on Sunday that any deployment of British or French forces in the Strait of Hormuz would receive a “decisive and immediate response.”
The Hormuz crisis has entered a highly sensitive phase following escalating tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel, with disruptions to maritime traffic placing pressure on global trade and energy markets.
Reports indicate that approximately 1,500 ships and nearly 20,000 crew members have been affected by insecurity and restrictions linked to the crisis in the strategic waterway.
Analysts say the formal involvement of European countries in security planning for the Strait of Hormuz demonstrates that the crisis is no longer viewed merely as a regional dispute, but increasingly as a global economic and security challenge.
At the same time, experts warn that expanding Western military presence in the Gulf could increase the risk of direct confrontation and further escalation between Iran and international powers.
The discussions also reflect growing international concern over the vulnerability of global energy supply chains and maritime commerce if instability in the Strait continues.
