European leaders have set out plans for a coordinated defensive mission to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, once security conditions allow, following talks involving more than 40 countries.
The leaders of France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Germany agreed the proposal during an international video conference on Friday, aimed at ensuring the strategic waterway remains open to global shipping.
French President Emmanuel Macron said, "Recent events are encouraging, even if we should remain prudent" and welcomed Iran’s announcement on Hormuz reopening, saying it “goes in the right direction." He said countries involved could not accept “any privatisation of the Strait of Hormuz”, including “any toll system”, and confirmed a neutral, independent mission would be established. A follow-up meeting will take place in London next week.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the mission under discussion would be defensive in nature and follows the ceasefire agreement. He added that participating nations had agreed to accelerate military planning.
Starmer said around a dozen countries are prepared to contribute assets, with further details on the mission’s structure expected next week.
Friedrich Merz said Germany was willing to contribute, noting that involvement from the U.S. would also be “desirable.”
“I require a decision by the federal government, a mandate from the German Bundestag and a sound military concept,” Merz said, adding that Germany’s role could include reconnaissance and mine-clearing operations.
“We will therefore take part in the further military planning discussions that are taking place and would also like to see the United States of America participate, if possible. We believe this would be desirable,” he added.
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U.S. President Donald Trump said late on Saturday he would hold off on a fresh attack on Iran as long as a deal could be reached quickly to halt Iran's nuclear ambitions and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Two firefighting helicopters collided while battling a major wildfire in Greece on Sunday, killing two crew members as emergency services continued efforts to contain fires fuelled by extreme heat and dry conditions across Europe.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has said Tehran is not currently involved in direct talks with Washington about reopening the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran were to begin on Monday.
French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said wildfires that swept across France were now under control. Authorities warned that risks remained as Greece and Spain continued battling active blazes across parts of Europe.
Indonesian rescue teams are searching for 28 people still unaccounted for, three days after a passenger ferry caught fire off the coast of Madura island.
Cuba faced another nationwide blackout after its electricity grid failed, deepening an energy crisis tied to fuel shortages and U.S. sanctions.
The Japanese yen strengthened on Monday after Japan and the United States confirmed a rare coordinated currency intervention to halt the currency's slide following weeks of pressure.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 3rd of August, covering the latest developments.
Oil prices fell sharply on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump said talks with Iran would begin later in the day, raising hopes of easing tensions in the Middle East, while OPEC+ agreed to increase oil production for a sixth consecutive month, adding to expectations of improved global supply.
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