The UK Prime Minister Starmer said on Wednesday that the UK will convene talks with around 35 foreign ministers on Thursday to discuss how to restore safety in the Strait of Hormuz after hostilities end, and to develop feasible plans for resuming operations for stranded vessels, crews, and energy shipments. Multiple officials said France, the Netherlands, and some Gulf states have privately discussed possible naval contributions, including escort missions, mine clearance, and defense against potential Iranian attacks. Military planners will also hold meetings this week to assess maritime operation arrangements. This mechanism will not operate under NATO auspices but will instead follow a "voluntary coalition" model, enabling faster deployment after a potential ceasefire. The context for this coordination is Trump's recent criticism of European allies for their unwillingness to directly intervene in the US-Israeli conflict against Iran, while simultaneously suggesting that even if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, the US might not prioritize reopening this vital global energy route. Iran shut down the strait following a US-Israeli strike at the end of February, blocking roughly 20% of global oil and gas transport, triggering sharp rises in energy prices and forcing previously neutral European nations to reassess their positions. Starmer warned that even if tensions subside, the strait may not automatically reopen safely, and any international escort arrangement would be "complex and difficult."
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