UK and France to lead multinational naval mission for Strait of Hormuz security

UK and France to lead multinational naval mission for Strait of Hormuz securityBritain will deploy military forces to protect shipping in the critical Gulf waterway as part of a UK-France led mission involving 12 nations after Iran reopened the vital trade routeNewsPaige Ingram and Nick Lester Press Association US Editor in Washington DC00:54, 18 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesPrime Minister Sir Keir Starmer meets with Defence Secretary John Healey and former Nato chief Lord Robertson of Port Ellen(Image: PA)Britain will make "a wide-ranging military contribution" to an international mission to safeguard shipping in the crucial Strait of Hormuz trade route, the UK ambassador to the US has revealed.‌The pledge by Sir Christian Turner comes amid longstanding concerns over the condition of the nation's armed forces and warnings of insufficient funding. Just this week, Labour former defence secretary and Nato chief Lord Robertson of Port Ellen accused his own Government of "corrosive complacency" in the face of "the bright red signals of danger".‌The multinational mission, co-led by the UK and France, is designed to offer reassurance to vessels navigating the critical Gulf waterway once the conflict with Iran has ended, Sir Christian told a gathering in Washington.‌View 3 ImagesCargo ships in the Gulf, near the Strait of Hormuz(Image: REUTERS)READ MORE: Mum fumes as family banned from Parkdean resort after 'inappropriate behaviour'READ MORE: Man 'had to flee' Gran Canaria after what ex-girlfriend did on first night of holidayThe initiative was unveiled at talks in Paris involving nearly 50 nations, which the senior diplomat said demonstrated global determination to prevent tolls or restrictions being placed on the shipping lane, through which one fifth of the world's oil and gas supplies are transported.Around 12 countries have so far committed to joining the mission. The move has been dismissed by US president Donald Tr...