UK and France Co-Host 40-Nation Meeting on Strait of Hormuz Security Mission

UK Defence Secretary John Healey and French counterpart Catherine co-hosted a virtual meeting of over 40 nations on May 12 to outline military contributions for a defensive multinational mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz. The UK committed HMS Dragon, Typhoon jets, drones, and autonomous mine-clearance systems. The mission is strictly defensive — focused on restoring confidence for commercial shipping, demining, escorting, and air policing — and will only deploy after a sustained ceasefire or peace deal. Italy's defense minister stated any deployment requires parliamentary approval, a truce, and a legal framework. NATO allies have declined Trump's requests to send naval forces without a comprehensive peace agreement.