International initiative for security in the Strait of Hormuz

France and the United Kingdom are scheduled to co-chair a videoconference with representatives from approximately 40 countries to discuss a potential peacekeeping mission in the Strait of Hormuz. French President Emmanuel Macron and government spokesperson Maud Bregeon clarified that Paris has no intention of deploying military forces with aggressive intent or initiating a blockade. Instead, the proposed mission aims to ensure freedom of navigation in coordination with international partners. The French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is currently moving from the Eastern Mediterranean to the Red Sea, though officials maintain its purpose is peaceful. Meanwhile, Iran has expressed strong opposition to foreign military presence in the region, with Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stating that only Iran can guarantee security in the Strait. The Iranian government has threatened a decisive response to any external military deployment, while France insists that its efforts are defensive and based on international law.