Talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz entered a new phase on Wednesday, April 22, as military planners from more than 30 countries gathered in London for a two-day conference led by the United Kingdom and France. The British government said the meeting aims to turn recent diplomatic backing into a detailed military plan to help reopen the vital waterway when conditions permit.
Officials are holding the talks at the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood, North London. British officials said the proposed mission would remain strictly defensive, focusing on protecting merchant shipping, reassuring commercial operators, and preparing for mine-clearance operations after a sustainable ceasefire.
The London meeting follows an international summit in Paris last week, where leaders backed the unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and endorsed work on a multinational mission. The UK government said this week’s sessions will cover military capabilities, command and control, and the deployment of forces to the region.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey said the aim is to “translate the diplomatic consensus into a joint plan” that supports both freedom of navigation and a lasting ceasefire. Reuters also reported that more than a dozen countries had already signalled willingness to join such a mission when conditions permit.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, and officials have repeatedly linked its disruption to wider risks for global trade, energy security, and shipping stability. The UK has described the route as critical to the movement of energy and other essential supplies. That is why this conference matters beyond military circles. It is part of a broader effort to reassure commercial shipping markets and show that multiple countries are willing to coordinate around freedom of navigation.
Britain and France are trying to build the widest possible coalition. Official UK statements say both countries are working to bring together partners with diverse capabilities to support the same objective. Reuters also reported that the conference was the next operational step after diplomatic efforts, with London now serving as the venue for more concrete planning.
