France says it approached 35 countries over future Hormuz mission

• Summary

• Concerns Iran could threaten strait after conflict

• Plans described as ‘strictly defensive’

• Fifth of global oil supplies pass through Hormuz

VAUX-DE-CERNAY, France, March 26 (Reuters) - France said its ​military chief held talks with around 35 countries on Thursday as it sought partners and ‌proposals for a mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz once the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran ends.

The United States’ Western allies have said they will not take part in the ongoing conflict. But the behind-the-scenes activity underscores concern that, after the fighting, ​Iran could continue to threaten the waterway which carries about a fifth of global oil supplies.

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Shipping ​there has already slowed to a near‑halt after Iran struck vessels amid its conflict ⁠with the United States and Israel.

A French defence ministry statement did not name the foreign powers that held ​talks with Armed Forces Chief Fabien Mandon in a mass video conference, but said they came from all ​continents.

STRICTLY DEFENSIVE INITIATIVE

Sources said they were initial discussions to see how countries saw the crisis and offer ideas and seek feedback on what a mission could look like.

“This initiative, independent of the ongoing military operations in the region, is strictly defensive ​in nature,” the statement said.

“Its purpose is to organise the resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz ​once hostilities have ceased.”

Separately, Admiral Nicolas Vaujour, Chief of Staff for the French Navy, said he had held talks with 12 naval counterparts - ‌including ⁠from Britain, Germany, Italy, India and Japan.

“We are exchanging views on issues related to freedom of navigation and maritime security, as the sea is a vital artery for our global economy and regional stability,” he wrote on X on Thursday.

FRANCE, BRITAIN TAKE PLANNING LEAD

Several countries are coordinating discussions. President Emmanuel Macron, who has suggested having ​a U.N. framework for ​any action in the ⁠strait, has said international efforts could only happen once hostilities calm, insurance and shipping firms are consulted and with Iran’s consent.

France has deployed its aircraft carrier strike ​group to the eastern Mediterranean as well as two helicopter carriers and eight ​warships to the ⁠Middle East in preparation for possible future missions.

Britain has also said it is working with allies on a “viable” plan to reopen the Strait, a task Prime Minister Keir Starmer has described as being difficult without de-escalation in the ⁠Middle ​East.

A defence official said it was expected that any first phase ​would focus on mine-hunting, followed by a second phase to protect tankers crossing the area.

Demining would potentially be a major issue given the ​U.S. lacks capacity by itself, sources have said.

Additional reporting by Elizabeth Piper Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta and Andrew Heavens

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