Europe promotes plan to reopen Strait of Hormuz without US: report

Europe is promoting a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz without the involvement of the US, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal.

Britain and France are leading an initiative to form an international force to clear mines and secure shipping lanes, with the aim of restoring confidence among shipping companies. The plan would exclude the US, Israel and Iran.

French President Emmanuel Macron said that the mission would be a defensive international effort and would not include “warring parties”. Diplomatic sources said that the European forces would not operate under US command.

Under the proposal, military vessels, including mine-clearing ships, are expected to take part in ensuring the safe passage of commercial shipping and rebuilding confidence in operating in the region.

READ: France, UK to host Hormuz conference in Paris on Friday

Germany, which has so far refrained from signalling its readiness to participate militarily, may also join the initiative and could announce its position in the coming days, despite the political and legal sensitivities.

Earlier, Bloomberg reported, citing European officials, that there were disagreements between Britain and France over how any naval mission in the Strait of Hormuz should be carried out and what role, if any, the US should play.

The report added that the European divisions stem from concerns that US involvement could push Iran towards a more hardline stance.

It also noted that any naval mission in the strait should be coordinated with Iran.

READ: France plans naval escorts in Hormuz with other countries, if needed: Defense minister