Paris, April 14: French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will co-chair a conference Friday in Paris, bringing together non-belligerent nations willing to participate in a mission in the Strait of Hormuz “when security conditions allow.”
Other participants will take part via videoconference, Macron’s office said. European and other partners are ready to contribute to a “purely defensive mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” the statement said.
France and Britain have been working in recent weeks to set up an operation to escort oil tankers and container ships to help ensure safe passage through the strait.
Germany backs Israel, Lebanon talks: Merz
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he supports direct peace talks between the Israeli and Lebanese governments, which are set to start Tuesday in Washington.
Merz called for an end to hostilities in southern Lebanon and said militant group Hezbollah must lay down its arms, the German chancellery said in a statement Monday night.
Merz reaffirmed his government’s strong support of a diplomatic understanding between the US and Iran and its readiness to contribute to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz if the necessary conditions are met, his office said.
Merz also expressed deep concern about developments in the Palestinian territories and said there must be no de facto partial annexation of the West Bank.
China rolls out peace plan, cautions US on Hormuz
China’s proposal, outlined by Xi Jinping, emphasizes strengthening international law and ensuring it is applied consistently rather than selectively.
Xi warned against a “law of the jungle” in global affairs and argued that international rules must not be used only when convenient. The statement reflects China’s broader call for a more stable and predictable global order based on multilateral cooperation.
The timing of the proposal is significant, coming amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region that are disrupting global energy flows and reshaping diplomatic alignments.
According to reports, the initiative follows stalled US–Iran negotiations, suggesting China is positioning itself as a potential mediator in the crisis. At the same time, Beijing has taken a firm stance on developments in the Strait of Hormuz, opposing external interference and warning the United States against imposing restrictions in this strategic waterway.
Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun reinforced this position, stating that China will continue its trade and energy cooperation with Iran and maintain the movement of its vessels in the region. This reflects China’s effort to safeguard its energy security and economic interests while advocating regional stability.
Overall, China’s approach combines diplomatic messaging with strategic self-interest. While promoting dialogue, sovereignty, and multilateralism, it also seeks to protect its economic ties in the Middle East. The success of the proposal will depend on how regional and global powers respond. (Agencies)
