London is hosting military talks on Wednesday and Thursday involving planners from more than 30 countries to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz under joint UK-French leadership.

The UK Ministry of Defence said the meetings aim to build on progress made in last week’s discussions and translate diplomatic consensus into operational plans on the ground.

More than 10 countries have expressed readiness to join an international mission to protect navigation in the strait, once conditions allow following a sustainable ceasefire.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey said the goal is to “turn diplomatic alignment into a joint plan to ensure freedom of navigation and support a lasting ceasefire,” expressing confidence in tangible progress.

Participants are expected to discuss required military capabilities, command and control arrangements, and deployment mechanisms for a multinational defensive force.

The talks follow a previous meeting in Paris last week attended by over 40 countries, led by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron.