Adedokun Waliyu 
Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer are leading a meeting of allies to consider deploying a multinational force to secure the Strait of Hormuz and ensure free-flowing trade once the ongoing conflict involving Iran, United States, and Israel comes to an end.
Iran had imposed a blockade on the vital shipping route after the war began, causing global energy prices to surge. Although a fragile ceasefire exists, concerns remain as the United States is also enforcing restrictions on Iranian ports.
European leaders fear prolonged disruption could lead to rising inflation, food shortages, and flight cancellations due to limited jet fuel supply.
The meeting, involving about 30 countries from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, aims to restore freedom of navigation and address economic impacts. Leaders are also preparing a strictly defensive multinational mission, which could include mine-clearing operations and ensuring safe passage for ships without tolls.
Officials stress that deployment would only occur after the war ends. Conditions would require commitments from Iran not to attack ships and from the United States not to block maritime movement in the region.
The talks will also address the situation of over 20,000 seafarers stranded aboard vessels affected by the blockade.
European leaders are using the meeting to demonstrate their role in global security efforts, having largely been sidelined in earlier diplomatic negotiations.
In addition, Macron and Starmer continue to push for a separate European force to support Ukraine, which would also be deployed after the end of the war with Russia.
