France and Britain announced that they are cooperating with Oman to restore safe passage for ships through the Strait of Hormuz; a route that accounts for a significant portion of the world’s energy trade. In a joint statement, Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer said the purpose of this cooperation is to ensure navigation safety in Oman’s territorial waters and provide reassurance to the shipping industry. The two countries also said they are prepared to deploy a broader multinational military mission in support of freedom of navigation. The stance came after Starmer’s meeting with Oman’s sultan and following Muscat’s role in mediating the recent understanding between the United States and the Islamic Republic.