The Hormuz Conference in Paris, a sign of unity

2026-04-18 09:11:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz was demanded by many countries in Paris. At the conference organized by President Macron, there was talk of securing it through a naval mission.

French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz appeared before the microphones together in Paris. The joint appearance was intended to send a signal of European unity. Although Iran again threatened a new blockade, Macron initially welcomed Iran's announcement that it would open the Strait of Hormuz for the duration of the ceasefire, but stressed that this was not enough.

Addressing Iran, but also the United States, Macron called for the permanent opening of the strait. This was the joint message of about fifty states and organizations that had connected via videoconference in Paris, he declared: "We demand the immediate, complete and unconditional opening of the Strait of Hormuz by all parties involved. We demand the restoration of free movement as before the war and full respect for international maritime law."

"Strictly peaceful and defensive mission"

According to the Élysée Palace, around 50 representatives of states and organizations took part in the consultations. Most of them came from Europe, but China, India and Australia also took part in the talks. On the other hand, the warring parties – the US, Israel and Iran – were not present.

Merz expressed his admiration for the conference participants' determination: "To be honest, I was somewhat surprised by how much agreement there was in the assessment of the situation and how clear and consistent the conclusions were."

As expected, Macron and Starmer announced the intention to set up a multinational mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz. The operation will be launched as soon as circumstances allow, said British Prime Minister Starmer: "This will be a strictly peaceful and defensive mission, to guarantee commercial shipping and to support mine clearance." More than a dozen countries have pledged support.

Merz offers German support

Merz in Paris hinted that Germany would also be part of the mission: "From our perspective, such participation could include mine clearance and maritime surveillance." Germany will therefore take part in further military planning talks.

However, the federal chancellor also explained that this German participation would be conditional on the end of fighting on the ground and the existence of an international mandate for the mission./ DW