Europe Draws Up Hormuz Plan

France’s military leadership has begun broad international consultations on how to restore safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz once fighting in the region subsides. The waterway, a critical global oil transit route, has seen sharply reduced shipping due to escalating tensions.

French officials emphasized that the initiative is not linked to ongoing military operations and would only be implemented after the end of hostilities. The goal, they said, is to ensure the resumption of maritime traffic in one of the world’s most strategically important chokepoints.

The discussions were led by French Armed Forces Chief Fabien Mandon via a large video conference involving partners from multiple continents.

The French defense ministry did not name the foreign powers that took part, saying only that they came from all continents. "This initiative, independent of the ongoing military operations in the region, is strictly defensive in nature," the ministry said in a statement. "Its purpose is to organise the resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities have ceased."

The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments, making it one of the most sensitive maritime corridors worldwide. Recent regional tensions have already caused significant disruptions to commercial shipping routes.

Western Allies Stay Out of the War

The United States' Western allies have said they will not take part in the ongoing conflict, but the behind-the-scenes activity underscores concern that Iran could continue to threaten the waterway after the fighting, according to Reuters. Shipping there has already slowed to a near-halt after Iran struck vessels during its conflict with the United States and Israel.

Separately, French Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Nicolas Vaujour said he held talks with 12 naval counterparts, including from Britain, Germany, Italy, India and Japan, about freedom of navigation and maritime security. AP reports that the defense staff chiefs' videoconference focused on how to reopen shipping once the intensity of hostilities has sufficiently decreased, which could involve a mission to escort commercial vessels.

France and Britain Take the Planning Lead

President Emmanuel Macron, who has suggested a U.N. framework for any action in the strait, has said international efforts could only happen once hostilities calm, insurance and shipping firms are consulted, and with Iran's consent. Britain has also said it is working with allies on a "viable" plan, a task Prime Minister Keir Starmer has described as difficult without de-escalation in the Middle East.

France has increased its regional military presence, with elements of the French Navy deployed in the eastern Mediterranean and the wider Middle East to prepare for potential post-conflict missions.

France has deployed its aircraft carrier strike group to the eastern Mediterranean, along with two helicopter carriers and eight warships to the Middle East, in preparation for possible future missions, according to Reuters.

Mine-Hunting First, Tanker Protection Next

According to defence sources, any future mission would likely begin with mine-clearing operations, followed by the protection of commercial tankers transiting the area. However, officials noted that coordination and operational capacity remain key challenges.

Demining could become a major issue because the United States lacks the capacity to do it alone, sources told Reuters. The question of who clears and protects the strait has since become part of diplomacy with Tehran. Clash Report has reported that Iran considers European demining in the Strait of Hormuz to unblock peace talks, and that the U.S. and Iran have neared an interim deal to reopen the strait.

The disruption has already pushed energy markets sharply, with the IEA moving to release 400 million barrels as oil prices soared.