Military forces from over 30 countries will meet in London for two days to discuss a possible mission to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The UK Ministry of Defence said the talks will focus on planning a multinational operation led by the United Kingdom and France.
The meetings will take place on April 22–23 at the Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ).
Representatives of the participating countries will discuss their military capabilities, coordination efforts, and the possible deployment of forces in the region.
Meanwhile, the UK Ministry of Defence noted that any concrete military actions in the Strait of Hormuz would only be implemented after a lasting ceasefire between the United States and Iran is achieved.
“Our aim is to turn diplomatic agreement into a specific joint plan to protect freedom of navigation in the strait and support a lasting ceasefire,” UK Defence Secretary John Healey said.
The United Kingdom and France have launched an initiative to form a multinational coalition to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which has effectively been closed for nearly two months.
Last week, representatives from around 50 countries participated in international talks on the strait in Paris.
There, France and the United Kingdom announced that they would lead a defense mission in the Strait of Hormuz once peace is achieved.
The mission is intended to protect commercial vessels and carry out mine-clearing operations. The goal is to involve as many partners as possible and combine each country’s expertise to support shipping in the region.
Potential participation of Ukraine
According to The Times, four Ukrainian minehunters currently based in Portsmouth, UK, could take part in efforts to reopen the strait.
Reports claim that Ukraine is expected to signal at the meeting that it is ready to deploy its ships to the Strait of Hormuz once fighting between the United States and Iran has ended.
