The naval mission proposed by US allies to secure commercial passage through the Strait of Hormuz aims to ensure that ships can safely navigate the narrow waterway again through mine clearance and military escort support if necessary. The plan sends a message of normalization, especially for ship crews and maritime insurance providers.
This proposal, which France and the UK have been working on for months, resurfaced following the framework agreement extending the temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran.
Macron Raised the Idea in March
French President Emmanuel Macron suggested in March that warships could escort tankers and container ships through this maritime passage once hostilities subside.
US President Donald Trump told Macron at the G7 Summit on Monday that the strait would "remain open" thanks to the temporary agreement with Iran and that there was "not much help" needed.
Trump told the French leader, "I don't think having one or two ships from a few countries here is a bad idea. You would be a great country to do that."
Joint Statement from G7 Countries
US allies declared they are "determined to do their part" to urgently reopen the waterway with "unconditional and unlimited freedom of navigation." The statement was issued by France, the UK, Germany, Japan, and Italy, all G7 members alongside the US.
Canada later joined the statement. The countries proposed a fully defensive and independent mission to secure commercial maritime transport and conduct mine clearance operations.
France’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is already in the region. Macron had sent the ship first to the Eastern Mediterranean in early March, then through the Suez Canal to the Arabian Sea.
Macron also mentioned that the Netherlands, Italy, and the UK, which have forces stationed in the area and can provide rapid support, are involved.
The French leader informed Trump that French warplanes could begin observation missions over the vital waterway starting Tuesday, with frigates following within 48 hours and the aircraft carrier within two to three days.
"Of course, all this depends on whether it is wanted and requested. Maybe it won't be wanted or necessary. But in any case, this shows our willingness to help," he said.
The mine-clearing ships aim to remove underwater threats that endanger maritime transport in the waterway. These mines can be rocket-delivered, wired, or lie on the seabed and be triggered by sound, movement, or light.
Trump said mines have been found and efforts to detect others continue, adding that the strait is "already partially open." The Royal Navy has particularly sought to demonstrate its expertise for such a mission.
Last month, the navy hosted journalists aboard the RFA Lyme Bay, a ship waiting off Gibraltar to be deployed.
