LONDON, United Kingdom: Strait of Hormuz force plans were announced by Britain and France, with both countries saying they were ready to support safe navigation.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron issued the joint statement late Friday.
The leaders described the Strait of Hormuz as a vital artery for the global economy. They said restoring safe transit for ships of all nations through the waterway was a matter of global concern.
The statement said Oman had agreed to cooperate with London and Paris to ensure safe passage through its sovereign territorial waters.
Britain and France said they stood ready to anchor a broader multinational military mission supporting freedom of navigation in the area.
The two governments said the mission would uphold regional stability, state sovereignty, global security and international law.
Read: Iran Hormuz Warning Targets UK, France Over Strait Deployment
The declaration came amid heightened friction with Tehran over foreign military presence in the strategic waterway.
Iranian officials have said security in the Strait of Hormuz should rest with littoral states.