Allies Plan Mine-Clearing Mission for Strait of Hormuz After Iran Deal

EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France (AP) — U.S. allies are proposing a naval mission to clear mines and escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The goal is to reopen the vital waterway for oil and gas shipments after a tentative ceasefire deal with Iran. France and Britain have led the planning for months. French President Emmanuel Macron first suggested the idea in March. He said warships could escort tankers and container ships through the narrow channel once the conflict ended. President Donald Trump told Macron on Monday at the G7 summit that he does not see a need for "much help." He said the strait "is going to be open" because of the deal with Iran. But Trump added, "I don’t think it’s a bad idea to have a ship or two up here from a few countries." **What the Mission Involves** The mission would be "strictly defensive and independent," according to a statement from France, Britain, Germany, Japan, Italy, and Canada. It aims to reassure shipping crews and insurers that the waterway is safe. Mine-clearing vessels would remove underwater explosives. These mines can be rocket-propelled, cabled, or sit on the seabed and be triggered by sound, movement, or light. France's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, is already in the region. Macron said French fighter jets could start observation flights as soon as Tuesday. Frigates could follow within 48 hours, and the aircraft carrier within two to three days. **Experience in the Region** French, American, British, and other naval crews have experience escorting civilian ships through hostile waters. They previously defended cargo vessels from attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. French frigates used machine guns, cannons, and air-defense missiles to fend off Houthi strikes. In 2024, the French frigate Alsace shot down three ballistic missiles while escorting a container ship. **A Reduced Risk** If the ceasefire holds, the need for a naval mission drops significantly, said Max Bergmann, an analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. He said a French-British presence would offer security benefits and show European commitment to Gulf states. But he added, "We should not overstate its utility." Joint planning has involved nations including Australia, South Korea, Japan, Bahrain, Qatar, Canada, and more than a dozen European countries. A meeting last month brought together 38 countries.