UK hosts positive talks on Strait of Hormuz mission: ‘Millions are looking to our leaders, we can’t let them down’
Military planners from countries interested in joining a mission led by Britain and France to keep the Strait of Hormuz open after the end of the Iran war held constructive talks in London.
More than 40 countries sent planners to the two-day conference, held at Britain’s Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood.
They aimed to build on the talks Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron held in Paris last week and agree on a defense plan that would restore confidence in merchant shipping.
Defense Minister John Healey told attendees that because of the importance of the strait, “millions of people” relied on them to succeed.
A fifth of the world’s oil usually passes through here, and Iran’s effective closure of the critical supply route following the US-Israeli bombing campaign that began in February caused a global economic shock and sent energy prices soaring.
It appears that the talks held on Wednesday and Thursday were constructive and created a clear momentum.
Addressing planners, Mr Healey said: “I thank and respect you all for being here.
“I can’t tell you how proud we are to have you here at our Permanent Partner headquarters in the UK.
“Our mission is to translate our leaders’ diplomatic consensus into practical military plans that can secure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
“The task of bringing together the early planning done by France and the UK to create a joint plan.
“A defensive, multinational mission that will strengthen the confidence of merchant shipping and, if necessary, clear mines and protect ships at the end of hostilities.
“International trade, energy and economic stability for all our nations depend on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
“They are committed to unlimited, unconditional passage through the Bosphorus.
“So millions of people in all our nations look to our leaders and you for the success of the work you have done during these two days.
“I know you won’t let them down. We can’t let them down.”
