US and UK discuss forming international coalition to secure Strait of Hormuz

The United States and United Kingdom are planning a high-level meeting in London next week to discuss the formation of a potential international coalition to protect maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Axios, citing European diplomats and other informed sources. The timing and agenda of the meeting are still under discussion and have not yet been finalized.

The report stated that reopening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping is a key element in any US exit strategy from the conflict with Iran, and is also part of broader efforts to stabilize global energy markets.

According to European diplomats, the meeting is likely to include defense ministers and senior military leaders from Western and regional countries. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Kane are expected to attend.

The White House and Pentagon did not immediately respond to requests for comment, while the British Embassy in Washington declined to comment.

The report noted that since Iran began attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz two weeks ago, the United States has been carrying out daily strikes against Iranian military targets along the country's southern coast.

It added that there have been no Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the past four days. Some US military officials attribute this to the near elimination of Iranian military capabilities around the strait as a result of American strikes, while others believe Iran still retains the ability to attack ships in the area.

The report also stated that US President Donald Trump has threatened to bomb bridges and power stations, including those in Tehran, if Iran attacks more ships in the strait.

It added that one of the main conditions set by several countries for ending the conflict and launching negotiations is a cessation of fighting in the strait, so that conditions on the ground are safe enough for an international naval mission.

According to sources cited in the report, the United States is seeking for its allies to send assets to the region, including minesweepers, warships, and drones, to help secure shipping lanes.