The United Kingdom is leading a two-day military planning conference in London this week, convening defense officials from over 30 countries and regions to coordinate efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The talks unfold as transatlantic divisions deepen over strategies to address the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran, which has disrupted one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.
According to a UK government statement released Wednesday, the conference aims to finalize operational details for a multinational coalition jointly led by the UK and France. The coalition seeks to restore safe navigation through the strait “as soon as conditions permit,” contingent on a sustainable ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. Key agenda items include military capability assessments, command structures, and regional deployment logistics.
The London meetings follow a high-profile April 17 summit in Paris, where European leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer demanded the “unconditional and immediate” reopening of the strait. Germany and Italy also endorsed a new defensive maritime mission to protect commercial vessels and conduct mine clearance operations.
Analysts note the conference highlights Europe’s push for strategic autonomy amid strained U.S.-Europe coordination on Iran. However, questions persist about the feasibility of stabilizing the waterway without broader diplomatic breakthroughs.
