UK, France to lead multinational military talks on Strait of Hormuz

UK, France to lead multinational military talks on Strait of Hormuz

Defence planners focus on capabilities, command and control, and how forces can be deployed to the region.

A helicopter takes off from a US guided-missile destroyer as it patrols regional waters in support of the US blockade on Iranian ports. (US Centcom pic)
WASHINGTON:
The United Kingdom 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, Anadolu Ajansi reported.

The two-day conference, beginning on Wednesday, will be held at the UK’s permanent joint headquarters in Northwood, north London.

The talks aim to translate recent diplomatic agreements into a concrete military plan that can be implemented once conditions allow, following a sustainable ceasefire, according to a statement.

Military planners are expected to focus on capabilities, command and control, and how forces can be deployed to the region.

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 on Wednesday evening, Washington time.

However, US president Donald Trump said on 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 under way, though uncertainty remains.

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