The United Kingdom and France have called together military planners from more than 30 countries to attend a high-level meeting which will take place this week. Their primary goal is to develop a coordinated, multinational strategy to safely reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Planning a Coordinated Military Strategy

The two-day conference, which began on Wednesday, is taking place at the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood, North London. Military analysts work urgently to create a unified response plan for the ongoing crisis situation. 

The summit planners dedicate their time to two main tasks which involve evaluating international military resources and developing effective command systems. The coalition partners have developed a detailed plan which describes their future military operations in the area.

Diplomatic Efforts and Ceasefire Extensions

The current shipping crisis started when Tehran imposed navigation restrictions through the strait on March 2 which serves as a vital route for global oil and gas transportation. This move came just days after joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.

Pakistan initiated peace talks through a 14-day ceasefire which they brokered on April 8 while they conducted US-Iran negotiations at their facility. The truce had a Wednesday evening expiration, but Washington decided to postpone its return to conflict.

US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the United States would extend its ceasefire with Iran. The extension was granted because Pakistani officials specifically requested that Tehran needs more time to create a “unified proposal” for peace.

Current active negotiations are being carried out to conclude another round of talks, while the reopening day of this essential traffic route remains largely unknown.