UK, France lead Hormuz protection mission

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed that the UK and France will lead a multinational mission to protect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. He stated the mission will be strictly peaceful and defensive, aimed at reassuring commercial shipping and supporting mine clearance. The UK invites all nations with an interest in global trade to join, noting some have already indicated readiness to contribute. This announcement builds on earlier European backing for a naval deployment to the Persian Gulf.