French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday that France and the United Kingdom will jointly lead a multinational initiative to restore free and safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz as tensions rise between the United States and Iran over control of the strategic waterway.The news comes amid growing geopolitical friction after the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) imposed restrictions on maritime traffic linked to Iranian ports. According to Central Command, the measures were implemented at the direction of U.S. President Donald Trump and will apply to ships of all nationalities entering and leaving Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.Central Command clarified that the restrictions target port activities related to Iran, while the freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz for ships transiting between non-Iranian ports will not be affected.In response, Iran strongly criticized the US move and warned that maritime security in the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman may be compromised if its security interests are threatened. Iranian authorities also said they would continue to control access to the strait, allowing passage under its regulations while restricting vessels linked to hostile entities.In this context, Macron said the proposed initiative is part of a broader diplomatic effort to ease tensions in the Middle East and ensure long-term regional stability. He stressed that the mission would be “strictly defensive” and separated from parties involved in ongoing hostilities.Macron said France and Britain would hold meetings in the coming days with countries willing to contribute to a “peaceful multinational mission” aimed at safeguarding maritime traffic on key energy routes.“Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, we will organize a meeting with the United Kingdom in the coming days, where the participating countries are ready to join us in contributing to a peaceful multinational mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait. This strictly defensive mission, unlike that of belligerents, will be deployed as soon as the situation allows,” Macron said.He added that the initiative was linked to broader regional issues, including Iran’s nuclear and ballistic activities and what he called destabilizing actions, even as the US-Israeli coalition and Iran maintained a two-week ceasefire after more than a month of conflict.Macron also said the effort was part of a broader push for a diplomatic solution in West Asia, including restoring stability in Lebanon while respecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity.Macron reiterated France’s readiness to play a “full role” in the initiative, adding that the mission would be deployed as soon as conditions permit.
