France and Germany Split on Europe’s Role in Securing Hormuz
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Article content(Bloomberg) — Europeans are diverging over how to conduct a mission to secure sea lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, as French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer convene a meeting of leaders later Friday to discuss the issue.Sign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle contentThe main split between Germany and France centers over whether the US would participate in the mission, according to people familiar with their positions.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz wants the US to be involved while France insists only “non-belligerent” countries would join.Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Article contentArticle contentAny involvement by the countries would only take place once peace is secured in Iran. Article contentTop StoriesGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.There was an error, please provide a valid email address.Sign UpBy signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.Article contentWashington wasn’t invited to Friday’s high-level meeting in Paris that will feature Macron, Merz, Starmer and Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni. Other leaders will join via video conference to discuss how each country could contribute to the mission. Article contentAhead of the conference, Merz said there were differences among participants about the US role in any post-war mission: “We will discuss this further and, if necessary, reach a decision.”Article contentThe Elysee laid out three priorities: de-mining the strait; making sure vessels aren’t subject to a toll to sail through the passage; and protecting international rules of free navigation, said the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Article contentThe differing views over the role that the US would play highlights how Europeans are struggling to adopt a common stance after President Donald Trump criticized them over what he called their refusal to help the US confront Iran. Trump has also proposed imposing US tolls on vessels in the strait, which France opposes.Article contentArticle contentAsked about Merz’s position, a French official confirmed that the US and Iran were not joining Friday’s conference. Macron is speaking to Trump regularly and there has been no objection from the US so far. The French president also made this point to Iran’s president, the official said.Article contentA ceasefire was agreed on April 8 but remains shaky as Washington imposed a blockade in the strait, which is still shuttered. Trump claimed on Thursday that Iran has made key concessions in negotiations with the US and that a deal to end the war — which has left thousands dead and rattled energy markets — could be announced “fairly soon.”Article contentFrance has already deployed frigates, an aircraft carrier, aircraft and air defense systems in the region. Germany could offer minesweepers or reconnaissance vessels, but is unlikely to deploy frigates as they are being used to secure NATO’s eastern and northern flanks, according to senior government officials. Article contentMacron’s office said Chinese officials may join Friday’s meeting, among other Asian and Latin American officials, as long as they’re able and willing to contribute, in a format reminiscent of the “coalition of willing” that regularly meets to draft military plans for a post-ceasefire mission in Ukraine.Article contentThe Maritime Freedom of Navigation Initiative would be “strictly defensive in nature,” according to a UK statement, and it would be coupled with insurance industry support and back efforts to clear mines in the strait.Article contentMerz told reporters in Berlin on Thursday that prerequisites for any German contribution include an international mandate, preferably from the United Nations, a resolution by the federal government, and a mandate from parliament. “We are still a long way from that overall,” Merz added.Article contentTrending Canadian quantum company Xanadu soars to $16 billion valuation after Nvidia release Innovation A rise in mortgage rates may ‘pull the rug' out from under the spring housing market, says CREA Mortgages Posthaste: What Mark Carney's gas tax cut could mean for the Bank of Canada News The Great Correction: Not even Wayne Gretzky's hometown could escape the crash of the 'exurbs' Real Estate Canada presses for wider trade agreement in talks with U.S. Economy Share this article in your social networkCommentsYou must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.Create an AccountSign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. 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