France, April 17 -- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the force was being set up as they co-chaired international talks in Paris focused on ensuring free-flowing trade through the critical shipping corridor.

The conference, held mainly by video link, brought together a total of 49 countries from Europe and Asia, which were represented at various levels including dozens of heads of state and government.

Neither the United States nor Iran, as warring parties, participated in the meeting.

Iran imposed a blockade as soon as the US and Israel launched the war against the Islamic republic on 28 February.

The economic impact rippled worldwide, triggering inflation fears, concerns over fue...