French and British defense ministers will co-chair a video conference meeting on Tuesday with other countries to discuss contributions to a mission securing the Strait of Hormuz. Iran warned of an immediate response to any military deployment.
The British and French defense ministers will co-chair a video conference meeting on Tuesday with their counterparts from countries ready to contribute to a mission securing the Strait of Hormuz. The goal is to discuss each country's military contributions to reopen and secure the strait when conditions allow.
Tehran warned on Sunday of a decisive and immediate military response to any French and British deployment. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi recalled that only Iran can ensure security in the strait.
Emmanuel Macron, on a trip to Nairobi, assured that France had never envisaged a naval military deployment but rather a security mission coordinated with Iran. He stressed opposition to any blockade and refusal of any toll to enable freedom of navigation.
Some 1500 ships and 20,000 crew members remain blocked in the strait, which has become a flashpoint despite the ceasefire in force since April 8 between the United States and Iran.
