France and Britain are leading the process of building a plan to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, the world's vital maritime route.
European defense officials are secretly conducting extensive discussions to ensure security in the waters off Iran after the US-Israel conflict with Iran ends, 2 sources revealed.
The risk of Iran's attack has almost paralyzed the Persian Gulf and especially the Strait of Hormuz. This is a route that transports about 1/5 of global oil and gas.
European leaders have declared their readiness to protect maritime transport operations after conflicts. However, according to officials, the actual plan is much more detailed than public information.
The plans being considered include: Deploying destroyers to escort oil tankers and commercial ships across the Strait of Hormuz; Using ship-based air defense systems to shoot down Iranian drones and missiles if necessary; Organizing military power displays to reassure shipping companies and insurance companies that are concerned about risks when passing through this area.
France informed this week that up to 35 countries are participating in discussions on a joint mission. The British Ministry of Defense also confirmed that it is working with allies and the maritime transport industry to develop "a feasible plan to protect international maritime activities in the Strait of Hormuz".
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that Britain and France are leading this effort. "Countries are actively coordinating with each other" - Mr. Rutte said, while saying that many details have not yet been decided "because conflict is still ongoing".
He added that this initiative has the participation of non-NATO countries such as Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Australia, Bahrain and the UAE. The goal of this activity is to "ensure smooth shipping routes".
