Trade Route Security Talks Advance in London Amid Gulf Tensions

Britain and France have expressed optimism that military plans to secure the Strait of Hormuz are progressing and could help restore global trade flows through the vital maritime route.

During a two-day meeting in London involving representatives from more than 44 countries, military planners discussed the practical framework for a multinational mission led by the UK and France. The proposed operation aims to safeguard navigation in the waterway following a sustainable ceasefire in the region.

John Healey and his French counterpart Catherine Vautrin said in a joint statement that they were confident meaningful progress could be achieved.

Healey said the objective is to create a defensive multinational force that would boost confidence among commercial shipping companies and, if required, clear sea mines and protect vessels once hostilities end.

Keir Starmer said that more than a dozen countries have already agreed to participate in the mission aimed at reopening safe navigation through Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Iran stated on Wednesday that it would not reopen the Strait of Hormuz as long as the United States continued its blockade of Iranian ports.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy shipping routes, carrying a significant share of global oil and gas supplies.