UK, France to lead multinational Strait of Hormuz military planning conference

Over 30 nations to convene for two-day talks as UK, France lead push to reopen strait

The UK and France will convene a meeting of military planners from more than 30 nations this week to develop a coordinated strategy to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, British government says.

The two-day conference, beginning Wednesday, will be held at the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood, North London.

More than a dozen countries said last week they were willing to join an international mission, led by Britain and France, to protect ‌shipping in the Strait of Hormuz when conditions permit.

The commitment came after some 50 countries from Europe, Asia and the Middle East joined a video conference aimed at sending a signal to Washington after United States President Donald Trump said he did not need allies' help.

Read: 'Hormuz closure highlights Pak significance'

Britain's Ministry of Defence said in a statement the meeting on Wednesday would build on progress made at last week's talks.

"The task, today and tomorrow, is to translate the diplomatic consensus into a joint plan to safeguard freedom of navigation in the Strait and support a lasting ceasefire," said UK Defence Minister John Healey. "I am confident that, over the next two days, real progress can be made."

Britain said the talks would advance military plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz once conditions allow, following a sustainable ceasefire. Participants are expected to discuss military capabilities, command and control arrangements, and how forces could deploy to the region.

Read More: Iranian envoy to UN condemns US capture of Iran's vessel, urges accountability

On March 2, Tehran announced restrictions on navigation in the strait—vital for oil and gas exports—days after the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on Feb. 28.

Pakistan hosted talks between the US and Iran on April 11-12 after brokering a 14-day ceasefire on April 8, which had been set to expire Wednesday evening Washington time.

However, US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Washington would extend its ceasefire with Iran to allow time for Tehran to prepare a "unified proposal" following a request by Pakistani officials.

Efforts for another round of negotiations are underway, though uncertainty remains.