The United Kingdom and France will host the first Defence Ministers’ meeting on May 12 to advance a multinational initiative aimed at securing the Strait of Hormuz.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey will co-chair the meeting with French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin, with representatives from more than 40 countries expected to attend and outline their contributions.
Under joint UK–French leadership, international partners will use the session to discuss and define their military roles in a strictly defensive mission designed to reopen and secure the Strait of Hormuz once conditions permit, according to the press release issued by UK Government.
The meeting follows a recent international summit convened by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, which helped build consensus on coordinated planning.
According to the UK Government, Britain will also deploy HMS Dragon, a Type 45 destroyer, to the region to support preparations for the maritime mission when conditions allow. The warship, equipped with Sea Viper air defence systems, has recently completed NATO exercises off Crete, enhancing its operational readiness in high-threat environments.
Officials stressed that the mission is defensive in nature and aimed at restoring safe passage for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route. Disruption in the waterway has already impacted oil flows and increased costs for households and businesses worldwide.
The UK will present its military contributions during the meeting, with further coordinated multinational commitments expected to be confirmed in the coming period. Defence Secretary Healey said the effort is focused on turning diplomatic agreement into practical military planning and ensuring readiness to act if required.