The United States and Britain are planning to hold a meeting in London next week to discuss forming an international coalition to protect navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, Axios reported, citing European diplomats.
According to the diplomats, reopening the strait to commercial shipping is considered a central element of any US strategy to withdraw from the war with Iran. It is also viewed as a key part of efforts to stabilise global energy markets.
Defence Ministers and Military Commanders Expected
The meeting’s date and agenda remain under discussion and have not yet been finalised. However, it is expected to bring together defence ministers and senior military commanders from Western countries and states in the region.
Axios reported that US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine may attend the meeting.
According to the site’s sources, Washington is seeking to build on discussions Britain and France have held with several countries in recent months regarding the possible formation of an international coalition dedicated to the Strait of Hormuz.
Countries Demand an End to Fighting in the Strait
Several countries have reportedly made an end to fighting in the strait a key condition for joining the initiative. They argue that safe operational conditions must first be established before an international naval mission can be launched.
The sources added that Washington wants allied countries to deploy military capabilities to the region, including minesweeping vessels, naval ships and drones, to help secure commercial shipping routes.
