Europe tests ‘third way’ on Hormuz without the US, Israel and Iran. Will it work?

France and Britain are spearheading a significant diplomatic initiative, convening a coalition of more than 30 nations for a summit in Paris this Friday. The explicit goal is to forge a 'credible proposal' to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments that has been disrupted by the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran. In a defining move, the organizers have pointedly excluded the primary belligerents—the United States, Israel, and Iran—from the talks. This marks the first major European-led effort to influence the six-week-old conflict, driven by urgent economic and security concerns as energy prices soar and military resources are diverted from Ukraine.

The summit's guest list reflects a broad, interest-based coalition. It includes European leaders like Germany's Friedrich Merz and Italy's Giorgia Meloni, alongside a host of Gulf and Asian states with a direct stake in restoring maritime traffic. Notably, China has also been invited, though its level of participation remains uncertain. The concept, reportedly originating from French President Emmanuel Macron over a month ago, seeks a 'third way' distinct from the military confrontation. By bringing together nations from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America, Europe aims to present a unified diplomatic front to de-escalate the situation and secure the free flow of commerce, attempting to carve out a stabilizing role independent of Washington's strategy.