The United Kingdom and France will jointly host a virtual defense ministers’ meeting on Tuesday to discuss military planning aimed at normalizing commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a British government statement. The announcement came just hours after Iran warned both London and Paris against deploying warships to the region. More than 40 countries are expected to participate in the meeting, co-chaired by UK Defense Minister John Healey and French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin.

The meeting follows an April gathering of military planners in London, where discussions focused on implementing a multinational mission led by the UK and France to secure the vital waterway after a sustainable ceasefire. Both countries have already deployed naval assets to the Middle East: France sent its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, while the UK dispatched the destroyer HMS Dragon. Officials said these deployments are part of preparations for an international mission to safeguard maritime traffic.

Iran’s deputy foreign minister warned that any foreign warships entering the strait would face an immediate and firm response, asserting that only Iran can ensure its security. French President Emmanuel Macron later clarified that France supports a coordinated security mission involving Iran rather than unilateral naval deployment.