France and Britain said on Friday they will lead a multinational mission to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, while emphasising the force would be entirely defensive and only deployed once lasting peace in the region was agreed.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the force was being set up as they co-chaired international talks in Paris focused on ensuring free-flowing trade through the critical shipping corridor.

The conference, held mainly by video link, brought together a total of 49 countries from Europe and Asia, which were represented at various levels including dozens of heads of state and government.

Neither the United States nor Iran, as warring parties, participated in the meeting.

Iran imposed a blockade as soon as the US and Israel launched the war against the Islamic republic on February 28.

The economic impact rippled worldwide, triggering inflation fears, concerns over fuel supplies and worries about food shortages.

Starmer said that the multinational mission could be deployed "as soon as conditions allowed".

"This will be strictly peaceful and defensive as a mission to reassure commercial shipping and support mine clearance," he said, adding that "over a dozen countries have already offered to contribute assets".

US President Donald Trump said on social media after Tehran's announcement he had rejected an offer from Nato to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, telling the transatlantic alliance to "STAY AWAY".

It was not clear if he was referring to the Paris talks, where Nato was not represented. (AFP)


Edited by Robert Kemp