France and the UK have announced plans to lead a multinational mission focused on ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping corridor. This initiative was confirmed during a conference in Paris co-chaired by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, which involved representatives from 49 countries. The mission is described as strictly defensive, aimed at reassuring commercial shipping and supporting mine clearance, contingent upon achieving lasting peace in the region. Notably, neither the United States nor Iran participated in the talks, which followed Iran's blockade of the Strait after the onset of conflict with the US and Israel. The Iranian government subsequently declared the Strait open to commercial vessels during a ceasefire, a move welcomed by the conference leaders. Starmer emphasized the importance of maintaining open navigation to mitigate global economic damage, while Macron highlighted the mission's neutrality and its potential to stabilize the region. Further military discussions are scheduled to take place in the UK next week to finalize the operational details of the mission.