France leads talks on securing Strait of Hormuz after Iran conflict

France is convening a meeting of senior military officials from around 20 countries to assess how commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could be restored and protected once the conflict involving Iran subsides, according to an official familiar with the planning.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the video conference is being hosted by Gen. Fabien Mandon, the chief of France’s defence staff.

The discussions come as Emmanuel Macron has outlined a potential post-conflict security arrangement. He has said that “when circumstances permit” and fighting has subsided, he envisions deploying warships to escort oil tankers and other commercial vessels through the strategically vital strait.

According to the official, the purpose of the meeting is to evaluate what contributions participating countries might be prepared to offer for such a mission. This includes assessing the availability of naval assets such as warships, as well as intelligence-sharing capabilities and other forms of military support.

By Tamilla Hasanova