Over 40 nations will discuss military contributions to protect shipping lanes amid regional tensions in the critical waterway.
The UK and France will convene defense ministers from more than 40 countries on Monday to coordinate a naval mission safeguarding vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The initiative aims to mitigate risks to global oil and trade flows through the strategic chokepoint, which handles about 20% of the world’s petroleum shipments.
Recent attacks on commercial ships in the region have heightened concerns over supply chain disruptions. A similar multinational effort in 2019 followed attacks on oil tankers, though participation was limited. The Strait remains a flashpoint amid broader geopolitical rivalries.
No immediate market reaction was reported, but stability in the Strait is critical for energy prices and global trade routes.