France and the United Kingdom are deploying warships to the Middle East as part of preparations for a multinational mission aimed at ensuring the safety of commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The UK has announced the deployment of its warship HMS Dragon, while France has decided to station its aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in the Red Sea.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that many countries are ready to contribute resources and equipment to this joint effort led by the UK and France. However, he clarified that the initiative will begin only after the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran comes to an end. The move follows criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump over Washington’s allies’ reluctance to join the war against Iran.

French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that reopening the Strait of Hormuz can only be achieved through dialogue with Iran, underscoring France’s preference for diplomatic engagement over military escalation.