Several “non-belligerent” countries expressed readiness on Friday, April 17, during a conference with Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer, to undertake a “neutral mission” to secure the Strait of Hormuz, for which they requested “full reopening”, in light of the Iranian announcement that disrupted the meeting. Donald Trump also rejected the “assistance” proposals from NATO, despite not participating in the video conference organized from Paris, deeming the situation in the Strait of Hormuz now “terminated.”
French President and British Prime Minister orchestrated this conference, joined at the Elysée by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. In total, 49 countries took part, with about thirty at the head of state and government level, most participating remotely. They discussed “implementing a neutral mission, distinct from the belligerents, to accompany and secure merchant ships passing through the Gulf,” as stated by Emmanuel Macron.
“More than a dozen countries” had already offered to contribute to such a “peaceful and defensive force,” according to Keir Starmer, announcing a “military planning” meeting next week in London to reveal “more details” about its “composition.” Giorgia Meloni emphasized the need for a prior “cessation of hostilities.”
While the four leaders discussed with their counterparts, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced being “fully open for the remaining period of the ceasefire” with the United States, allowing “the passage of all commercial ships” through the strait.
This announcement was welcomed by the US President, who assured that Iran was removing all its naval mines. He, however, maintained the blockade of Iranian ports until a broader agreement with Tehran. The participating countries now call for “immediate, unconditional full reopening by all parties.” This means “without tolls and restrictions,” as clarified by the British Prime Minister.
Emmanuel Macron deemed the mission proposed by these countries “even more legitimate because it will allow these announcements to be consolidated in the short term and, above all, to give them a chance to endure.” Apart from Europeans, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung also took part in this meeting, along with other Asian states like China and Japan or Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, albeit at a ministerial or lower level.
The Americans were not invited because Macron insists that any future mission should be kept apart from the “belligerents” of the war launched at the end of February by the US and Israel against Iran, which retaliated by effectively blocking the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf. However, Chancellor Merz considered it “desirable” to have American participation in the mission, believing that this war should not “become a litmus test for transatlantic relations.”
Emmanuel Macron ensured that any future mission would involve “deconfliction” work with Iran, “coordination” with the US and Israel, as well as “engagement with ship owners” and “insurers.” Donald Trump criticized his European and Asian allies for refusing to participate in American military efforts and contribute to a possible reopening of the strait by force.
Since the Middle East conflict erupted and the blockade of this crucial maritime passage, through which 20% of the world’s oil and gas is transported, there has been a surge in energy prices weighing heavily on the global economy. Although a two-week ceasefire took effect on April 8, the situation remains fragile following Sunday’s failure of initial Iranian-American negotiations to solidify it. Discussions are ongoing for a possible resumption of talks.
