Report: Washington and London Planning International Coalition to Protect Shipping in the Strait of Hormuz

Welat TV – Erbil

The United States and the United Kingdom are reportedly planning a high-level meeting in London next week to discuss forming an international coalition to protect maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, amid ongoing military tensions with Iran.

According to European diplomatic and informed sources cited by Axios on Friday, the meeting's date and agenda are still under discussion. Defense ministers and senior military officials from Western and regional countries are expected to attend, with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine among the possible participants.

The White House, Pentagon, and British Embassy in Washington have not commented. The sources said reopening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping is one of Washington's key strategic objectives in its efforts to end the conflict with Iran and stabilize global energy markets.

Meanwhile, the United States continues to conduct daily strikes against Iranian military targets along Iran's southern coast, following attacks on commercial vessels in the strait that began two weeks ago. While some U.S. officials say the strikes have significantly weakened Iran's military capabilities, others believe Tehran still retains the ability to target shipping.

President Donald Trump has warned that the United States could expand its strikes to include critical infrastructure inside Iran if attacks on commercial vessels continue. Tehran has responded by threatening to target infrastructure in Gulf states allied with Washington.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran would continue defending its interests in the Strait of Hormuz, adding that he discussed maritime security and de-escalation efforts with Pakistani and Omani officials.

In a related development, Washington has reportedly asked its allies to contribute mine countermeasure vessels, naval assets, and drones to support a potential multinational maritime mission.