The UK and France convened a summit with about 40 countries to advance a multinational mission to restore navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, reports Saint Petersburg's PortNews.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron co-chaired a virtual meeting of the Strait of Hormuz Maritime Freedom of Navigation Initiative. The talks focused on mine clearance, supply chain security, and industry support, with the mission defined as defensive.

The Elysee Palace confirmed the meeting in Mr. Macron's April 17 schedule, listing a working session and a conference dedicated to the initiative. Participants discussed reopening shipping routes and aligning with the International Maritime Organization on vessel and seafarer safety.

European states, including France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, hold mine clearance capabilities and are positioned to support non-offensive escort operations for vessels transiting the corridor.

Discussions also covered operational coordination, including a possible center in Oman, though no decision has been confirmed. The strait carries about one-fifth of global oil and LNG flows, underscoring the urgency of restoring traffic.

France had already structured early coordination. On April 9, its armed forces chief hosted officers from 17 countries to examine participation, while an April 8 joint statement confirmed government commitments to support freedom of navigation.