According to a report by US news website Axios on the 24th, the United States and the United Kingdom plan to hold a high-level meeting in London, the capital of the UK next week, with a focus on forming an international coalition aimed at "protecting maritime shipping in the Strait of Hormuz."
The report, citing two European diplomats, said the specific schedule and date of the meeting have not yet been finalized. The meeting may invite defense ministers and senior military commanders from Western countries and Middle Eastern countries to participate. US Secretary of Defense Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kane may attend the meeting.
However, this news has not yet been officially confirmed by US or UK authorities.
The report also cited sources as saying that in recent months, the UK and France have held discussions with multiple countries on forming an international coalition for the Strait of Hormuz. The US hopes to further advance relevant consultations on this basis. The US hopes its allies will deploy minesweepers, naval vessels, and drones to the region to help ensure the security of shipping lanes.
A European diplomat said: "The Americans are looking for a way out and hope to get our assistance."
On April 17th, French President Macron and then British Prime Minister Starmer co-hosted an international meeting in Paris, stating that the two countries would take the lead in a defensive multinational action to ensure the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz when conditions allow. On April 22nd, France and the UK also co-chaired a two-day multinational military planning meeting in London to advance the formulation of plans related to the resumption of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. On May 4th, Macron reiterated that the escort initiative jointly initiated by France and the UK would only be feasible after hostilities between the US and Iran end.