UK and France to lead mission to protect shipping in Strait of Hormuz – Starmer

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said that "as soon as conditions allow", the UK and France will launch a purely defensive military mission aimed at protecting freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Source: Starmer at a press conference in Paris, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Starmer noted that the defensive mission will focus on mine clearance and protecting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz area.

Quote: "We agreed to accelerate our military planning. I can confirm that along with France, the UK will lead a multinational mission to protect freedom of navigation as soon as conditions allow. This will be strictly peaceful and defensive as a mission to reassure commercial shipping and support mine clearance."

Details: Starmer added that resuming operations along this key waterway must be based on a "lasting and workable proposal".

Quote: "Reopening the strait is a global necessity and a global responsibility. We need to act to get global energy and trade flowing freely again to bring down prices for working people. Our citizens need to see a return to peace and stability, and we will play our full part."

Background:

• Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said he had "received a call from NATO" with an offer of assistance in the Strait of Hormuz and told them to "stay away".
• On 17 April, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that, under the terms of the ceasefire in Lebanon, passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz has been declared fully open for the duration of the truce.

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