NEW YORK / LONDON — While President Trump has publicly labeled European allies as “cowards” for their hesitation to join the direct conflict with Iran, a New York Times report on Saturday, March 28, 2026, reveals that France and the United Kingdom are secretly leading advanced planning for a massive naval escort mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The “Hormuz Coalition”: A Strategic Shift
According to senior European officials, the discussions are “further along than previously revealed,” marking a transition from diplomatic condemnation to active military preparation.
1. The Mission Structure
The planned operation, reportedly coordinated with over 30 allies, would focus on two primary phases:
- Phase I: Mine Clearance: The UK’s Royal Navy is set to lead a multinational effort to sweep the Strait of naval mines. British officials are considering using the RFA Cardigan Bay as a “mothership” for autonomous, uncrewed mine-hunting systems.
- Phase II: Armed Escorts: Once the mines are cleared, French frigates and British Type 45 destroyers would provide direct escorts for oil tankers and merchant vessels. These warships would be equipped with advanced air-defense batteries to intercept Iranian drones and missiles.
2. Defensive vs. Offensive Stance
A key distinction in the European plan is its strictly defensive nature.
- The “Post-War” Clause: French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer have emphasized that the mission is intended to secure freedom of navigation after the most intense phase of the U.S.-Israeli conflict subsides.
- Independence from “Epic Fury”: By framing the mission as a “show of force” for maritime security rather than a combat operation against Tehran, the allies hope to avoid being drawn into a full-scale regional war.
Tensions with the Trump Administration
The report highlights a growing rift between Washington and its traditional allies:
- The “Paper Tiger” Insult: Just last week, President Trump criticized NATO members as “cowards” and a “paper tiger” for not contributing to the primary strike missions in Iran.
- The American Pressure: Despite the insults, British intelligence has been liaising with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) to ensure that European escorts do not interfere with ongoing American operations.
- Operational Risks: UK officials have noted that the 20-nautical-mile width of the Strait creates a “kill zone,” where the warning time for a shore-based missile attack could be mere seconds.
The Global Energy Shock
The urgency of the France-UK plan is driven by the catastrophic impact of the Strait’s closure:
- Production Drops: Gulf Arab states have cut production by at least 10 million barrels per day as tankers remain unable to depart.
- Force Majeure: Major producers, including Iraq and Kuwait, have declared force majeure on oil and gas contracts.
- Price Surge: Global oil prices have spiked, prompting the IEA to authorize a coordinated release of 400 million barrels from strategic reserves.
| Country | Proposed Contribution |
| United Kingdom | Mine-hunting motherships, Type 45 Destroyers, Remus drones |
| France | Frigates with advanced air-defense, Multi-national coordination |
| United States | Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, Satellite intelligence |
| Japan / Italy | Logistics and regional security support |
The Pakistani Mediation Angle
As France and the UK prepare their fleet, Pakistan remains the critical diplomatic link. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is reportedly briefing European leaders on the 15-point U.S. proposal, which includes a provision for the “safe and unhindered passage of commercial shipping” as a primary condition for a ceasefire.
