France and the UK have launched an initiative to establish a multinational naval mission to ensure the safety of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. European countries are being forced to take this measure as the military actions of the US and Israel against Iran have made navigation difficult on one of the world's most important trade routes. In negotiations held in London, representatives from nearly 30 countries discussed a plan to protect merchant ships in the Persian Gulf, Dw.com reports .
The new mission will be purely defensive and will not involve striking land-based targets. The main task of the operation will be to protect merchant ships from missiles, drones, and speedboats. Germany, France, and the UK are expected to bear the main burden of the military effort. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the need for a clear legal mandate for the mission. French President Emmanuel Macron, meanwhile, indicated that some forces from the Mediterranean and Red Seas, including the aircraft carrier "Charles de Gaulle," could be redirected to this operation.
Experts believe that stability in the Strait of Hormuz cannot be achieved through military force alone. Diplomatic agreements with Iran are necessary to ensure full security. Currently, European countries are trying to involve countries like India and South Korea in the coalition. At the same time, India, Pakistan, and China are seeking to reach bilateral agreements with Iran regarding the safe passage of their ships.
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