France, UK and Germany plan joint defensive mission in Strait of Hormuz

France, the United Kingdom, and Germany are preparing a joint defensive mission in the Strait of Hormuz, aimed at ensuring the security of international shipping. According to the ANSA agency, these countries are analyzing various operational options, including the possibility of escorting commercial ships with warships to counter incidents in the region. In the background of the European countries' actions lies the escalation of tensions in the region, which directly threatens the stability of global transport routes. French President Emmanuel Macron announced the preparation of a future defensive mission, emphasizing that its goal is to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for free navigation. In a statement to ANSA, Macron said: "We are preparing a defensive mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz" „” (We are preparing a defensive mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz) — Emmanuel Macron via ANSA.it. The French leader also held talks with leaders of countries in the region, including Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, calling for the immediate provision of maritime transport security, particularly in the Red Sea. The Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world's oil exports flow, has for years remained a critical geopolitical point. In the past, incidents involving Iranian forces have occurred there, including the seizure of tankers and attacks on commercial ships. The latest wave of tensions intensified in 2023, when Iran escalated actions against vessels linked to Israel and Western countries. In response, the United States formed a naval coalition, which included the United Kingdom and France, further intensifying rivalry in the region. NATO responded to a direct threat by intercepting a missile over Turkish territory. In the action, which took place on March 9, British fighter jets participated, indicating the Alliance's involvement in protecting the airspace of member states. This incident coincided with Macron's talks with the Iranian president, during which the French leader called for "an end to attacks on countries in the region." Although details of the conversation were not disclosed, diplomatic sources suggest that France is seeking to de-escalate the conflict while preparing for a scenario of further escalation. The European Union, which until now has avoided direct military involvement in the region, faces the necessity of taking concrete actions. In response to growing threats, the EU organized a video conference with Gulf states to discuss ways to ensure shipping security and stabilize the situation in the region. The decisions of European leaders are also a response to pressure from the maritime industry and countries dependent on the free flow of goods through key straits. France, as one of the few EU countries with significant naval capabilities, plays a key role in planning the mission. At the same time, consultations are ongoing with NATO partners, including the United Kingdom and Italy, which have also expressed readiness to participate in the operation. Although the mission is defensive in nature, its launch could meet with a sharp reaction from Iran, which has repeatedly stated that it would consider any armed intervention in the region an act of aggression. In this context, European actions aim not only to protect shipping but also to prevent further escalation of the conflict, which could have serious consequences for the global economy.