UK and France Lead Efforts to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Amid U.S.-Iran Tensions
The United Kingdom and France are spearheading a multinational effort to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage for global oil shipments. This initiative involves a two-day conference in the UK, gathering military planners from over 30 countries. The conference follows U.S. President Trump's decision to extend the U.S.-Iran ceasefire, while maintaining a naval blockade at the Strait, which Iran has criticized as a 'siege'. The UK and France aim to develop a military plan to ensure freedom of navigation and support a lasting ceasefire. The UK Defence Secretary emphasized the importance of international trade and energy security, highlighting the need for coordinated multinational action. 
