International leaders address navigation in the Strait of Hormuz

On April 17, 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer convened an international meeting in Paris involving representatives from approximately 40 to 49 countries to address the status of the Strait of Hormuz. The conference participants, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, demanded an immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait, rejecting any proposals for transit tolls. The meeting followed an announcement from Iran regarding the reopening of the waterway, a development welcomed by international leaders despite concerns regarding continued U.S. sanctions against Iranian vessels. Leaders emphasized that freedom of navigation must be restored to previous standards, with officials discussing potential defensive naval missions and the reinforcement of the EU's Aspides operation. Macron also highlighted a ceasefire agreement between Iran and the U.S., expressing hope for its extension to Lebanon. While the summit aimed to coordinate a collective security strategy, reports indicated underlying diplomatic friction regarding the attendance of NATO and European Commission officials.