The United States and United Kingdom are organizing an international summit in London next week to discuss the formation of a maritime coalition to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. According to European diplomats and sources familiar with the matter, the meeting is expected to include defense ministers and military commanders from Western and regional nations. A White House official confirmed the intent to hold the conference, though the final itinerary and date are still being determined.
The proposed conference follows two weeks of increased activity in the Strait, where Iran began targeting commercial vessels and the U.S. responded with strikes against Iranian military targets. While some U.S. defense officials stated that Iranian military capabilities near the coast have been diminished, others maintained that Iran retains the ability to conduct attacks. On Wednesday, President Trump stated he would target Iranian infrastructure if shipping attacks continued, prompting a response from Iranian officials who threatened infrastructure in U.S.-allied Gulf nations.
Diplomatic efforts to reopen the shipping lanes are ongoing. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Omani and Pakistani officials this week to discuss maritime security. Araghchi stated that Iran would protect its regional interests and characterized the friction as a result of the U.S. approach to negotiations. Sources familiar with the U.S. position stated that officials are seeking international contributions of naval vessels, demining equipment, and drones to secure the lanes once active hostilities subside.