Starmer and Macron Lead Paris Summit on Reopening Strait of Hormuz
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron co-hosted a virtual summit in Paris on Friday to advance a European-led initiative to reopen the Strait of Hormuz once regional hostilities end. The meeting brought together representatives from over 40 countries and the International Maritime Organisation to discuss a coordinated, independent plan to safeguard international shipping in the vital waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil supply normally flows, has been disrupted by Iran’s blockade in response to U.S. And Israeli military actions. In retaliation, the United States has imposed its own blockade on Iranian oil ports, further complicating efforts to restore normal shipping lanes.
Starmer emphasized that reopening the strait is a “global responsibility,” urging participating nations to act collectively to ensure the free flow of energy and trade. Macron reiterated the commitment to a strictly defensive, multinational mission separate from the warring parties, designed to provide assurance to commercial shipping and support mine clearance operations once conditions permit.
The summit focused on supporting the existing U.S.-Iranian ceasefire framework and developing a post-conflict strategy to maintain freedom of navigation. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Chief of the Defence Staff Sir Richard Knighton joined Starmer in the discussions, underscoring the UK’s full engagement in the diplomatic effort.
Both leaders affirmed that the initiative is not intended to bypass or undermine NATO or U.S. Efforts, but rather to establish a credible, independent European contribution to regional stability. The plan envisions deployment of naval forces only after active fighting concludes, with participation limited to non-belligerent nations prepared to contribute to a peaceful maritime mission.
As global energy markets remain sensitive to disruptions in the Gulf, the Starmer-Macron-led talks represent a significant diplomatic push to prevent prolonged economic fallout and restore confidence in one of the world’s most critical trade chokepoints.