France and the UK are developing a European-led initiative to secure the Strait of Hormuz, seeking a broad international coalition without US participation.
European Plan to Secure Strait of Hormuz
According to the Wall Street Journal, France and the UK are the main authors of the planned initiative, aiming to build a broad international coalition, but excluding the US. Germany’s participation is anticipated.
The European plan focuses on ensuring regular military escorts and surveillance of the Strait of Hormuz through frigates and destroyers, providing assurance to shipping companies regarding safe passage. The required force size remains unclear at this stage.
Alongside destroyers, nations are expected to deploy minesweepers, of which Europe possesses a greater number than the United States.
Initial Meetings and International Invitations
French and British officials anticipate a first virtual meeting on the matter this Friday. Invitations have been extended to China and India, in addition to European nations, though their attendance is uncertain.
US Involvement Concerns
French diplomats believe any US involvement would make the operation less acceptable to Tehran. British officials, conversely, fear excluding the Americans would anger President Donald Trump and limit the operation’s scope.
Trump’s Warnings and Demands
President Trump has publicly demanded allies send ships to open the Strait even before a potential war’s conclusion, but these requests were refused due to the high risk and potential for entanglement in a conflict. He expressed frustration that nations offered ships only after fighting ceased, which he deemed unnecessary.
Trump on the Brink of War with Iran
In a Wednesday interview with Fox Business, Trump stated, “The war with Iran is very close to the end.” He added that withdrawing now would take Iran 20 years to rebuild, and that the situation remains unfinished, suggesting a potential for a deal.
Escalating Tensions and US Blockade
The backdrop to these tensions is the escalation of economic actions by Washington. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the full implementation of a blockade of Iranian ports and the achievement of complete “maritime superiority.”
Since Monday, the Americans have turned back at least eight tankers in the Gulf of Oman, altering their course via radio communication to avoid physical boarding.
Incidents in Tehran and Lebanon
Meanwhile, BBC reported that authorities in Tehran announced explosions of homemade devices in the capital. Mohammad Balideh, a commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, stated a “small explosion” was caused by “treacherous and unpatriotic elements,” and the situation is “under control,” with three people sustaining minor injuries.
In Lebanon, despite ongoing diplomatic talks in the US, Israeli forces continue their offensive, systematically demolishing Lebanese homes to secure a line of defense beyond the border’s range of anti-tank missiles. At least two people have been killed in recent airstrikes.