By Our Correspondent

National News – France and United Kingdom are leading a high-level meeting of about 40 nations on Friday in Paris to address rising tensions and restore safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

The talks come after the vital oil shipping route was largely shut to foreign vessels following a conflict triggered by U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on February 28.

The situation worsened after the United States imposed a blockade on ships linked to Iranian ports, escalating global concerns over energy supply and maritime security.

The meeting, chaired by Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer, seeks to signal readiness among allied nations to secure the region once hostilities ease.

Leaders including Friedrich Merz and Giorgia Meloni are participating alongside representatives from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Although both the U.S. and Iran are excluded from the talks, outcomes will be communicated to Washington, highlighting diplomatic coordination efforts.

Discussions will focus on the economic fallout, particularly disruptions to global shipping and the plight of over 20,000 stranded seafarers.

Participating countries will also explore forming a defensive multinational mission to protect vessels, potentially involving intelligence sharing, mine clearance, and naval escorts.

The initiative aims to reinforce international law and guarantee freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

However, European nations have resisted direct involvement in the U.S.-led blockade, citing risks of deeper military entanglement. Instead, they emphasize post-conflict stabilization efforts.

Diplomats note the mission’s deployment will depend on improved security conditions and cooperation with key stakeholders.

A joint statement is expected after the meeting, outlining strategies to safeguard maritime traffic and restore confidence among shipping firms and insurers.

Further military planning discussions are scheduled for next week.