Europe-Led Coalition Plans Hormuz Reopening

A Europe-led coalition of more than 40 countries , led by France and the United Kingdom, is preparing a mission intended to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after Iran closed the waterway and the United States imposed subsequent restrictions, according to officials involved in the planning.

The group met in Paris on April 17, 2026, to complete initial operational planning focused on restoring navigation through the strait. Officials described the effort as a response to what they called severe global economic disruption linked to the closure, which has been in place since February 28.

According to the coalition’s outline, the proposed mission would be strictly defensive and would include military ships and escorts, armed forces support, intelligence capabilities, mine-clearing operations, and radar coverage. Participating countries are largely NATO members, alongside South Korea, Australia, and Japan, and they plan to position assets in the region so they can act once conditions allow.

The Netherlands has already sent frigates and military personnel in anticipation of the operation, officials said. Coalition members stressed that the mission would not begin while fighting continues, and that activation is contingent on hostilities ending.

The current situation traces back to February 28, when U.S. and Israeli airstrikes against Iran preceded Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, officials said. The United States later introduced restrictions affecting passage, adding to the constraints on maritime movement through the corridor.

Diplomatic efforts are also underway. Indirect talks are continuing to extend the current ceasefire, which is due to expire on April 22. The White House has said it is optimistic about the chances of reaching an agreement to prolong the ceasefire, a step that officials indicated could enable the coalition to move forward with securing the strait for navigation.