Britain is hosting military planners from more than 30 countries for two days of talks on a proposed multinational mission to protect navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The UK defence secretary said the meeting, jointly led by Britain and France, aims to turn recent diplomatic progress into a coordinated plan to safeguard shipping in the strategic waterway.
Defence Secretary John Healey said the focus is on developing a joint framework to ensure freedom of navigation and support efforts toward a lasting ceasefire.
The talks follow an earlier international meeting in Paris co-chaired by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, where countries discussed security in the region.
Officials said the proposed force would be defensive in nature and would only be deployed once conditions allow.
The conference is being held at the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters in northwest London, where joint military operations are coordinated.
The initiative comes as tensions remain high in the region despite a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran, which has been extended to allow more time for negotiations.
Both sides have accused each other of violations, while efforts continue to prevent disruption to one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.
-20260422055630.jpg)
-20260416052446.webp)
-20260416124550.webp)
