US, UK plan London talks on Hormuz coalition to protect shipping

The United States and United Kingdom are preparing to hold a high-level meeting in London next week to discuss the formation of a potential international coalition to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. According to two European diplomats and two sources familiar with the matter cited by Axios, the date and agenda are still under discussion, but the meeting could see the participation of defense ministers and military leaders from Western and regional countries.

The talks are seen as especially significant as Washington seeks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping—an essential element of any US strategy to end the conflict with Iran and a key step toward stabilizing global energy markets. Senior US defense officials and military leaders are expected to attend, though specific names have not been confirmed.

A White House official confirmed the US and UK plan to hold the conference next week, while the British Embassy in Washington declined to comment. Washington aims to build on previous discussions with the UK, France, and several other countries regarding the creation of an international coalition to secure the strait, with some nations insisting that fighting must first cease to ensure safe conditions on the ground.

The US wants allied countries to deploy military assets to the region, including mine-detection and clearance vessels, naval ships, and drones, to help secure shipping lanes. One European diplomat noted that the Americans are seeking an exit strategy and want allied support.

Security developments and regional negotiations

Two weeks ago, Iran began targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting the US to launch daily strikes against Iranian military targets along the southern coast. No Iranian attacks on commercial vessels have been reported in the past four days. Some US defense officials believe the strikes have weakened Iran's capabilities, while others warn that Iran remains capable of targeting ships.

At the time, US President Donald Trump threatened to strike bridges and power stations, including those inside Tehran, if Iranian attacks on ships continued. In response, Iran threatened to target infrastructure in Gulf states allied with Washington.

The escalation follows failed negotiations between Oman, Iran, and Qatar over new arrangements for the strait, which led Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to return to Tehran for consultations before the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps began targeting vessels. An Omani delegation has since arrived in Tehran to resume talks on reopening the strait. Araghchi also spoke with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi to discuss maritime security and the passage of commercial ships, with both ministers stressing the importance of cooperation to prevent further escalation in the region.