Several “non-belligerent” countries expressed their readiness on Friday, April 17, during a conference with Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer, to participate in “a neutral mission” to secure the Strait of Hormuz, which they requested to be fully reopened, despite the Iranian announcement impacting the meeting. Donald Trump rejected the NATO’s “assistance” proposals, even though the organization did not participate in the video conference from Paris, deeming the situation in the Strait of Hormuz as “resolved.”
French President and British Prime Minister organized the conference, joined at the Elysée by the German chancellor Friedrich Merz and the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. A total of 49 countries took part, with around thirty at the level of heads of state and government, mostly virtually.
They discussed the establishment of a neutral mission, distinct from the belligerents, to support and secure merchant ships passing through the Gulf, stated Emmanuel Macron. “At least a dozen countries” have already offered to contribute to such a “peaceful and defensive” force, according to Keir Starmer, who announced a military planning meeting next week in London to reveal more details on its composition. Giorgia Meloni emphasized the necessity for an initial “ceasefire.”
While the four leaders spoke with their counterparts, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated Iran’s readiness for the remaining period of the ceasefire with the U.S. for “the passage of all commercial ships” through the strait.
The surge in energy prices: Emmanuel Macron assured that any future mission would involve “deconfliction work” with Iran and coordination with the U.S. and Israel, as well as consultation with shipowners and insurers. Donald Trump criticized European and Asian allies for refusing to participate in American military efforts and contribute to a potential reopening of the strait by force.
Since the conflict in the Middle East, the blockade of this vital maritime passage, through which 20% of the world’s oil and gas consumption flows, has led to a spike in energy prices, impacting the global economy. Despite a two-week ceasefire that began on April 8, the situation remains fragile after the failure of initial Iranian-American negotiations last Sunday. Discussions are ongoing for a possible resumption of negotiations.
