European countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands and France reportedly have mine clearance capabilities that can help ensure the safety of passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin stated that these countries are able to provide ship escort services to ensure safe navigation through the strategic route. The initiative focuses on security operations without military provocations.
France and Britain are scheduled to chair a meeting involving about 40 countries in Paris. The discussions are intended to signal to the United States that its close ally is ready to play a role in restoring freedom of navigation in the route.
In a related development, reports also stated that Iran is facing difficulties in locating mines that have been placed in the strait, believed to be due to disorganized installation and some of them drifting with sea currents.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global route, with around 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas flows passing through the area when operational conditions return to normal.
