Britain and France will host defense ministers from multiple countries on Tuesday to discuss military plans for securing trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz. The meeting comes amid rising tensions with Iran and threats to freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most critical waterways.
In an official statement, the British Ministry of Defense said: “Defense Secretary John Healey will lead, together with his French counterpart Minister Catherine Vautrin, the first defense ministers meeting of the multinational mission.” The stated goal is to build an international force to secure shipping through the strait while encouraging additional international partners to participate.
Tehran is responding sharply to the European initiative. Iran’s deputy foreign minister warned Britain and France against deploying their warships in the region. The Iranian threat comes as both powers have already taken military steps.
Britain announced it has sent the warship HMS Dragon to the Middle East in what was described as a “completely defensive” move to support mine clearance and protect vessels. Meanwhile, France deployed its aircraft carrier strike group to the Red Sea last week as part of preparations for a potential mission to secure the straits.