Britain and France said on Friday they would work with Oman to help ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, reaffirming their commitment to freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes.
In a joint statement, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron said the Strait of Hormuz was “a vital artery for the global economy” and that restoring safe transit for ships of all nations through the waterway was a matter of global concern.
The leaders said Oman had agreed to work with Britain and France to ensure safe navigation within its sovereign territorial waters.
Britain and France also said they stood ready to deploy a wider multinational military mission to support freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz if required.
The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to regional stability, respect for the sovereignty of all states and continued cooperation with international partners to uphold global security, freedom of navigation and international law, according to the statement.