France and the United Kingdom have offered to lead a multinational effort to restore freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, but only once a formal peace agreement is in place. Delegations from roughly 50 countries and international organizations met in Paris, where non‑belligerent states expressed cautious consensus about any deployment.
A temporary ceasefire has paused fighting between Iran and a US‑Israeli coalition until April 22, while a separate 10‑day truce between Israel and Lebanon—home to Iran‑backed Hezbollah—also took effect. On Friday both Tehran and Washington said commercial passage through the strait was possible, even as the US maintained a blockade of Iranian ports until a negotiated peace. Iran reversed its opening on Saturday, citing the US blockade; several merchant vessels reported coming under gunfire while attempting transit.
Maritime traffic had largely stopped after the war began on February 28, following Iranian threats to target merchant shipping. Around 20% of the world’s oil and gas normally moves through the strait, and the stoppage has driven up insurance costs and disrupted global trade.
French President Emmanuel Macron described the ceasefires and Iran’s initial move as positive steps but urged caution after Tehran reinstated restrictions. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said any reopening must be lasting and practical. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni joined Macron and Starmer in the Paris talks.
Maritime experts warned that official announcements do not guarantee safe transit. Jakob Larsen of shipping association BIMCO cautioned against assuming the strait is secure, while Ian Ralby of NGO Auxilium Worldwide said restraint is sensible: the conflict must end fully, and risks such as accidental escalation or friendly fire remain high.
The prospect of mines has further complicated plans. Michelle Wiese Bockmann, senior maritime analyst at Windward, said Tehran’s reported mine‑laying discouraged ships from resuming voyages; some 832 tankers and cargo vessels remain effectively blocked in the region. That danger has kept traffic low and insurance premiums high.
Non‑belligerent states have offered escorts and mine‑clearance assistance. Merz said Germany could supply mine‑clearance vessels if a clear legal mandate is established. Retired French general Dominique Trinquand argued Europe has the capacity to field tripartite mine‑clearance units under French, Dutch and Belgian control, with France likely providing the largest escort contingent.
Some officials see an additional aim in those contributions: reassuring the United States and sustaining alliance cohesion after public criticisms from former US President Donald Trump that European states did not join the US campaign. Former NATO commander Jean‑Paul Palomeros said visible European support would help preserve NATO unity and readiness for other contingencies, including potential threats to the Baltic states.
Leaders pointed to Operation Aspides, the EU mission shielding Red Sea shipping from Houthi attacks, as a precedent for European maritime action. Geopolitical analyst Rym Momtaz said pressure on Europe to act will grow if the ceasefire holds, noting key practical questions about escorts, safe corridors and coordination with insurers and shipping companies.
Military chiefs from non‑warring states are due to meet next week at the UK Joint Forces Command in Northwood to discuss potential roles in the region.
This article was originally published April 17, 2026, and updated April 18 after Iran reversed its decision to open the Strait of Hormuz. Edited by M. Kuebler.