European nations, including Belgium, the Netherlands, and France, have the capability to carry out mine-clearing operations to secure key shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz, French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin said on Friday, according to French broadcaster TF1. Vautrin told TF1 that European countries could also offer “fully supported escort services” for vessels passing through this strategically important waterway. She added that plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz would be part of discussions later in Paris on Friday.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are expected to co-host a virtual meeting of global leaders to address efforts to reopen the strait and protect vital maritime routes, CNN reported. Around 40 countries are likely to participate in the summit, which will focus on maintaining a fragile ceasefire involving Iran and ensuring safe passage through the key shipping corridor.

According to the UK Prime Minister’s Office, the talks will also consider forming an international mission to reopen the strait. The proposed initiative would be defensive in nature and involve a coordinated multinational military effort once conditions allow, CNN reported. The summit is also expected to review support for the International Maritime Organization’s efforts to improve the safety of ships and crews in the region. Starmer, who is due to arrive in Paris to co-host the meeting with Macron, is expected to stress that reopening the strait is a shared global responsibility and essential for restoring energy and trade flows.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is also expected to attend, with Germany indicating it may contribute to securing safe passage if a clear legal framework is established. This could include mine-clearance vessels or maritime surveillance support, areas in which the German military has expertise.

US Central Command said two of its ships had begun operations related to clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz as part of efforts to secure the waterway, though Iran rejected the claim. CENTCOM stated that USS Frank E. Peterson and USS Michael Murphy had transited the strait and operated in the Arabian Gulf as part of a broader mission to ensure the route is free of sea mines allegedly placed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper said a new safe passage route was being established and would soon be shared with the maritime industry to support the free flow of commerce.