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International watersGeopoliticsUK and France to lead defensive mission in Strait of HormuzOn Friday, 17 April, France and the United Kingdom convened 51 countries for an international summit on the Strait of Hormuz. The meeting underscored the international community%u2019s determination to support freedom of navigation, uphold international law, and safeguard global economic stability and energy security.Strong support was expressed for a comprehensive diplomatic settlement to the conflict through negotiations, emphasising that diplomacy must prevail.The UK, France, and their partners are set to draw on collective diplomatic, economic, and military capabilities to support freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.Firstly, participants called for the unconditional, unrestricted, and immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The right of transit passage without restrictions or tolls was highlighted as a cornerstone of international trade. The announcement that the Strait will reopen was welcomed, with emphasis on the need for this reopening to be sustained over time. Disruptions to global energy security, supply chains, and economic and financial stability were deemed unacceptable, particularly given their impact on the most vulnerable communities worldwide. A commitment was also made to coordinate economic responses and avoid protectionist measures.Secondly, support was reaffirmed for the essential work of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in ensuring the safety of seafarers and vessels. Continued cooperation with the shipping industry was pledged to facilitate the resumption of operations as soon as conditions allow, including engagement with operators, insurers, and industry bodies.Thirdly, France and the UK confirmed the establishment of an independent and strictly defensive multinational mission aimed at protecting merchant vessels, reassuring commercial shipping operators, and conducting mine-clearance operations once conditions permit, following a sustainable ceasefire agreement.The mission will operate strictly within a defensive mandate, in full compliance with international law, and in consultation with relevant states. Appreciation was expressed to the nations that have indicated their readiness to contribute, whether through military assets, logistical support, financial assistance, or political backing. All countries with an interest in the free flow of global trade were encouraged to support the initiative.France and the UK will jointly advance this effort, including coordinating military planning with contributing nations. The UK will host the next leaders%u2019 meeting in this format.UN Security Council extends sanctions regime on Libya until August 2027The UN Security Council renewed the mandate of the Panel of Experts tasked with monitoring the implementation of sanctions on Libya until 15 August 2027, and extended the authorisation for Member States to take measures against the illicit export of petroleum from the country until 1 August 2027.The sanctions regime was established in early 2011, when protests erupted in Libya against the Government of Muammar Qadhafi amid widespread popular uprisings across the Middle East and North Africa. In response to the violent repression by Libyan authorities against demonstrators, the Council adopted Resolution 1970 (2011), laying the legal and institutional foundation for restrictive measures.Building on this framework, the Council took further action by unanimously adopting Resolution 2819 (2026) (to be issued as document S/RES/2819(2026)). Acting under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, it decided to extend until 1 August 2027 the authorisations and the measures in resolution 2146 (2014), as amended by paragraph 2 of Resolutions 2441 (2018) and 2509 (2020).These include the authorisation for Member States to inspect on the high seas vessels designated by the 1970 Libya Sanctions Committee as being involved in the illicit export of petroleum from the country, and for the Committee to impose measures on such vessels, including denial of port entry, prohibition of servicing and related financial transactions, and the return of illicit cargoes to Libya. Credit: EPA/MICHEL EULER / POOL MAXPPP OUT120 NX