French President Emmanuel Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday that France and the United Kingdom will jointly lead a multinational initiative to restore free and safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions rise between the United States and Iran over control of the strategic waterway.The announcement comes amid growing geopolitical friction following a move by US Central Command (CENTCOM) to impose sanctions on maritime traffic connected to Iranian ports. According to CENTCOM, these measures are being implemented under the direction of US President Donald Trump and will apply to ships of all nationalities operating in and out of Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.CENTCOM clarified that the sanctions target port activity involving Iran, while freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz for ships transiting between non-Iranian ports will remain unaffected.In response, Iran strongly criticized the US move and warned that maritime security in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of ​​Oman could be at risk if its security interests were threatened. Iranian officials also said they would continue to enforce controls on access to the strait, allowing passage under their own rules while restricting ships associated with hostile entities.Against this backdrop, Macron said the proposed initiative is part of broader diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East and ensure long-term regional stability. He stressed that the mission would be “strictly defensive” and separate from the parties involved in the ongoing hostilities.Macron said France and Britain would convene a conference in the coming days with countries willing to contribute to a “peaceful multinational mission” aimed at protecting maritime traffic through the key energy route.“With regard to the Strait of Hormuz, we will organize a conference with the United Kingdom in the coming days, with countries that are ready to contribute with us to a peaceful multinational mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in this Strait. This strictly defensive mission, separate from belligerent ones, will be deployed as soon as the situation becomes favorable, Macron said.He said the initiative is linked to broader regional concerns, including Iran’s nuclear and ballistic activities and what he described as destabilizing actions, as a two-week ceasefire continues between US-Israel coalition forces and Iran after more than a month of conflict.Macron also said the effort is part of a broader effort to seek diplomatic solutions in the Middle East, including restoring stability while respecting Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.Macron reiterated that France is ready to play a “full role” in the initiative, adding that the mission will be deployed when conditions are favourable.