Starmer and Macron hold UK-France summit on Strait of Hormuz without US

Key Points:

• British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are proposing a European-led naval mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after the conflict ends, aiming for a "strictly defensive" operation involving Britain, France, and other non-belligerent countries.
• This initiative contrasts with the current U.S. strategy under President Trump, which involves an active blockade of Iranian ports and securing the waterway through military power during ongoing hostilities.
• The European plan emphasizes restoring commercial shipping and freedom of navigation post-conflict, with extensive coordination with the U.S., though Washington is not part of the initial talks involving over 40 nations.
• Critics argue the European proposal is largely symbolic due to limited naval capabilities and the decision to deploy only after hostilities cease, suggesting that only U.S. military power can effectively protect shipping lanes in the region.
• Macron and Starmer are convening a summit and a conference with non-belligerent countries to formalize the mission, stressing that any future operation would require coordination with Gulf coastal states and would not involve escorting ships during active bombardments.