KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia will participate in an international discussion on the Strait of Hormuz following an invitation from French President Emmanuel Macron for a special session co-hosted with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the invitation was conveyed to him directly, with Malaysia expected to be represented by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, NST Online reported.
“President Macron conveyed a message to me, inviting Malaysia to participate in a special session he is organising with Starmer to discuss the Strait of Hormuz. I will delegate the matter to Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan,” he told reporters after Friday prayers at Surau Bomba Cyberjaya today.
Anwar also provided an update on Malaysian vessels in the area, noting that one of seven ships carrying fuel had experienced a mechanical issue and was unable to depart from a port in the strait.
“One ship has arrived, one more is approaching Malaysian waters, meaning two in total, while we are monitoring the other vessels,” he said. “Iran approved all seven ships to pass through the strait, but one encountered technical problems and could not depart. Due to this latest situation, we are facing some challenges.”
French President Macron and UK Prime Minister Starmer chaired a meeting on Friday with allied nations to discuss the potential deployment of a multinational force to ensure security and maintain free-flowing trade in the Strait of Hormuz, once hostilities between Iran, the US, and Israel conclude.
Iran imposed the blockade after the US and Israel launched military action against the Islamic Republic on February 28, triggering a global energy price surge. Even with a tentative ceasefire, the US has begun imposing its own restrictions on Iranian ports.
European leaders have expressed concern that a continued blockade could drive inflation higher, disrupt food supplies, and create jet fuel shortages affecting air travel.
The virtual meeting, scheduled from 1200 GMT, will focus on restoring full freedom of navigation and addressing the economic impact of the blockade.
According to an invitation seen by AFP, allies also plan to “prepare the deployment, when conditions are met, of a strictly defensive multinational military mission, in order to ensure freedom of navigation.”
Officials stressed that the force would only be deployed after the conflict concludes. Macron and Starmer have previously led efforts to create a European force to support Ukraine, likewise intended for post-conflict deployment.
Starmer is expected to emphasise that “the unconditional and immediate reopening” of the strait “is a global responsibility,” his office said, adding that both leaders are committed “to establish a multinational initiative to protect freedom of navigation” and support mine clearance operations.
A French presidential official, speaking anonymously, noted the need for assurances from Iran “not to fire on passing ships” and from the US “not to block any ships leaving or entering the Strait of Hormuz.”
The talks, which will involve around 30 European, Asian, and Middle Eastern nations primarily via video link, will not include Iran, Israel, or the US, and will provide a platform for Europe to assert its diplomatic role. Key EU leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, will attend in person. – April 17, 2026