UK and France Announce Joint Multinational Naval Mission to Secure Strait of Hormuz

After the Leaders’ Level Summit co‑hosted by the United Kingdom and France on 17 April, the United Kingdom, France, and their partners reaffirm their commitment to employing collective diplomatic, economic and military tools to uphold freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. This navigation must be unimpeded in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and other international legal frameworks.

On 12 May 2026, the United Kingdom and France gathered Defence Ministers and representatives from 38 nations to declare their political backing of an independent, strictly defensive multinational military operation.

In consultation with the concerned states and the maritime sector, the mission will assist civilian shipping, reassure commercial operators, and carry out mine‑clearance tasks. Operations will commence only when the security environment is permissive and will fully comply with international law and the participating nations’ constitutional requirements.

The operation will differ from other military campaigns and will maintain dedicated communication and de‑confliction channels with all participating states and partners. It will complement ongoing diplomatic engagement and de‑escalation initiatives — which remain the primary focus — while showcasing a concrete commitment to safeguarding international trade.

Prepared to launch operations as soon as the environment becomes permissive, the undersigned states announce their political support for the mission. Recognizing the need for national caveats and parliamentary procedures, we welcome further contributions.

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