UK and France lead international efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz

The United Kingdom and France are leading a multinational initiative to secure the Strait of Hormuz, with defense officials from over 30 countries meeting in London on April 22-23, 2026. This conference follows a high-level summit held in Paris on April 17 involving approximately 30 to 40 world leaders. UK Defense Secretary John Healey and his French counterpart Catherine Vautrin are coordinating the development of a unified operational plan. The proposed mission is described as purely defensive and peaceful, intended to restore free navigation once a sustainable peace is established in the region. The Strait of Hormuz has been largely closed since the onset of Israeli-American strikes against Iran on February 28, 2026. Officials highlighted the recent ceasefire in Iran, extended by U.S. President Donald Trump, as a necessary condition for future stabilization. While over 12 nations have expressed interest in participating, the mission remains in the planning phase, focusing on command structures and logistics. The current meetings are being hosted at the Permanent Joint Headquarters in northwest London.