New Delhi, April 18: Iran has announced that the Hormuz Strait will remain open as long as the ceasefire continues. However, Iran has also warned of closing the strait due to the U.S. Navy’s blockade.
A meeting chaired by France and the UK took place recently, involving leaders from nearly 40 countries, focusing on keeping the Hormuz Strait fully operational. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke on the phone with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, welcoming the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon and the decision to reopen the Hormuz Strait.
On social media platform X, PM Carney stated, “This morning, I discussed the rapidly changing security and economic situation affecting the Hormuz Strait with fellow leaders, including Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer. This situation includes serious disruptions to global maritime traffic, energy markets, and essential supply chains. We welcome the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon and Iran’s announcement to reopen the strait.”
PM Carney further emphasized, “Canada stands firmly with Gulf partners who have recently faced retaliatory actions and economic pressures. We welcome the efforts of France and the UK to advance diplomatic and planning initiatives to safely and reliably reopen this vital corridor.”
It is noteworthy that discussions regarding reopening the Hormuz Strait were held by the UK and France in collaboration with around 40 countries. The meeting was hosted by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Following the meeting, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed frustration over the Hormuz Strait situation, stating on Truth Social, “Now that the situation in the Hormuz Strait is over, I received a call from NATO asking if we needed help. I told them to stay away unless they wanted to fill their ships with oil. They were useless when needed, just paper tigers!”
The meeting included nearly 30 leaders from European countries, as well as leaders from Asia and the Middle East, primarily connecting via video conference. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also participated in the summit.
During the meeting chaired by President Macron and Prime Minister Starmer, the possibility of sending a multinational force to ensure security and free-flowing trade in the Hormuz Strait amid the ongoing ceasefire between Iran and the U.S.-Israel was discussed.
European leaders are now concerned that if the blockade continues, consumers may face rising inflation, food shortages, and flight cancellations due to a lack of jet fuel.
After the meeting, Macron welcomed Iran’s decision to keep the strait open as long as the ceasefire holds. He stated that this is a step in the right direction. Macron also announced that a follow-up meeting regarding the Hormuz Strait will take place next week in London.
He urged, “We call on all parties to immediately and unconditionally reopen the Hormuz Strait in its entirety. We demand the resumption of previously established free passage conditions between the two nations and full respect for maritime law.”
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