LONDON — European leaders on Saturday called for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans for a UK-France-led multinational mission to protect maritime navigation.Speaking after a video conference involving 49 countries, along with the European Union and the International Maritime Organization, Starmer said participants agreed to accelerate military planning to secure the strategic waterway.“I can confirm that, along with France, the UK will lead a multinational mission to protect freedom of navigation as soon as conditions allow,” Starmer said, describing the operation as strictly peaceful and defensive.He said the mission would reassure commercial shipping and support mine clearance efforts, while inviting countries with an interest in global trade to contribute.Starmer added that more than a dozen nations have already indicated readiness to provide assets, with a planning conference scheduled in London next week.French President Emmanuel Macron said the meeting sought to secure the reopening of the strait amid regional tensions, warning that disruptions have had severe consequences for global markets, including oil, gas and fertilizer supplies.Macron welcomed what he described as encouraging ceasefire announcements involving Iran, the United States and Lebanon, but stressed the need for a lasting solution.“We all demand the full, immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz,” he said, adding that countries oppose any restrictions, toll systems or attempts to privatize the waterway.Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said 20% of global oil and gas consumption passes through the strait, along with key shipments of liquefied natural gas and fertilizers.“Freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is vital for the international community in its entirety,” she said, adding that Italy is ready to contribute naval assets, subject to parliamentary approval.German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said there was broad consensus among participants, stressing that any reopening must ensure toll-free and unrestricted passage for commercial vessels.He added that rising energy prices must be brought down quickly and warned the conflict must not become a transatlantic stress test.Iran said Friday the Strait of Hormuz is fully open to commercial vessels under a designated route, in line with the 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon that took effect Thursday midnight.Tehran had blocked the key oil shipping route after US and Israeli attacks on Feb. 28. A ceasefire between Washington and Tehran is due to expire on April 22, while talks on a lasting peace are expected soon in Islamabad.
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