US and UK plan London summit to form maritime coalition for Strait of Hormuz: Report
Washington, DC, July 25
The United States and the United Kingdom are planning a high-level meeting in London next week to form an international coalition to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report by Axios.
Citing European diplomats and sources familiar with the matter, Axios reported that the meeting could gather defence ministers and military leaders from Western and Middle Eastern nations, including US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine.
The itinerary and date are still under discussion and haven't been finalised, it added.
A White House official confirmed the joint initiative, while the British Embassy in Washington declined to comment, Axios reported.
Citing sources, Axios reported that the move comes as the US aims to build on discussions that the UK and France had with multiple countries in recent months about a potential international coalition for the Strait of Hormuz, adding that Washington wants allies to send de-mining vessels, naval vessels and drones to safeguard the waterway.
A European diplomat told Axios that the effort is tied to a US exit strategy from the conflict with Iran, noting, "The Americans are looking for a way out and they want our help."
This follows US President Donald Trump's recent threat to escalate military actions against Tehran, warning that Washington would target one Iranian bridge or power plant for every strike directed at commercial vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz.
"Any time the Islamic Republic of Iran shoots at a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, whether it be by Missile, Rocket, Drone, or any other device or weapon, the United States will bomb and destroy ONE BRIDGE OR POWER PLANT," Trump wrote on social media.
Signalling that Washington has no immediate intention of wrapping up the operation, he stated on Tuesday, "We're not finished at all... we're not leaving right now."
The escalation comes amid ongoing clashes around the strategic Strait of Hormuz, triggered by Iran's renewed maritime blockade targeting commercial vessels, which has disrupted global oil transit. The maritime tension has driven Brent crude prices sharply higher, increasing economic pressures on the White House amid soaring fuel costs at home.
Meanwhile, backchannel talks continue.
An Omani delegation reached Tehran on Friday to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
A delegation from Oman has arrived in Iran to discuss options for managing shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, as the United States and Iran continue attacks.
Iran's state-run IRNA news agency reported the delegation's visit was part of ongoing consultations between Iran and Oman. It added that the Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a phone call with his Omani counterpart, Badr Albusaidi.
IRNA reported that the discussions between the two leaders focused on recent regional developments, the security of maritime navigation, and commercial shipping transit in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Trump's threats to bomb bridges and power plants for every strike on ships... sounds like a game of chess with real lives. 😔 The US wants allies to send de-mining vessels and drones, but where does this end? India should stay neutral and keep our diplomatic channels open instead of joining any coalition.
Interesting times! The US is clearly trying to find an exit strategy after all the saber-rattling. But asking other nations to send naval vessels is a big ask for something that might drag on. India has its own strategic interests — we should quietly build up our naval presence in the region without making it a big political statement. 🇮🇳
As someone who works in shipping logistics, this is terrifying. The Strait of Hormuz is a chokepoint for 20% of global oil. Every time tensions flare, insurance premiums go through the roof and shipping routes get disrupted. I hope the London summit actually produces something workable rather than more empty threats.
The irony is not lost on me — the US threatens to bomb infrastructure, and then asks allies to protect shipping lanes. 🤔 Meanwhile, Iran's blockade is hurting global oil prices and India is feeling the pinch at the petrol pump. Maybe it's time for India to push for de-escalation through our own diplomatic channels with both sides. We have good relations with Iran and Gulf states.
The Omani delegation going to Tehran is the smartest move here. Oman has always been a quiet mediator in the region. India should learn from their approach — instead of forming blocs, focus on keeping channels open. And please, Modi ji, don't get dragged
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