New Delhi, April 18 -- European leaders gathered in Paris on Friday to begin planning a potential multinational mission aimed at securing the Strait of Hormuz after the end of the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer co-chaired the meeting at the Elysee Palace, bringing together key allies to address the growing economic and security risks posed by the blockade of the vital shipping route.

Leaders including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attended in person, while dozens of other heads of state joined virtually. The discussions focused on restoring free shipping in the strait after Iran's blockade, wh...