France’s Ministry of Armed Forces said the video conference was chaired by Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Fabien Mandon and brought together military leaders from countries interested in contributing to maritime security in the strategic waterway.
“The meeting provided an opportunity to gather the positions of nations willing to participate in joint efforts to contribute to safe maritime navigation in this strategic region,” the ministry said in a statement.
French officials emphasized that the meeting was unrelated to ongoing military operations in the region and described it as “purely defensive in nature.”
The discussions focused on organizing the resumption of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz after hostilities subsided.
South Korea was represented by Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Jin Yong-sung, according to the South Korean military.
A military official said the meeting served as an opportunity to exchange views and build a basic consensus on the Hormuz situation, adding that no decisions were made regarding specific military contributions.
“The defense ministry and the Joint Chiefs of Staff will closely monitor international developments related to the Strait of Hormuz and continue communication for joint efforts,” the official said. “In coordination with relevant ministries, the government will carefully review possible response measures.”
Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump requested allied nations in Europe and Asia, including France, to dispatch naval vessels to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively blockaded.
However, most allies have declined the request, citing concerns about becoming entangled in the conflict. Many countries have indicated they would only consider escort missions after a ceasefire is reached.
British media recently reported that the United Kingdom and France are exploring multinational efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and the multinational chiefs of defense meeting led by France appears to be part of such preparatory efforts.
Separately, France’s navy chief also held discussions with naval leaders from several countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, India and Japan, regarding the Middle East situation, French officials said.
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