US, UK to host Hormuz Strait coalition talks in London next week

WASHINGTON, United States — WASHINGTON — The United States and Britain are preparing to host a high-level meeting in London next week to discuss the formation of an international coalition aimed at protecting maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a US news website citing diplomatic sources. Defense ministers and senior military officials from Western and regional states are expected to attend, though the date and agenda have not been finalized. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine are expected to take part. Sources said Washington is building on months of talks with Britain and France to assemble the coalition, and has asked allies to contribute mine-sweepers, warships and drones to the region. Some participating countries have conditioned the launch of any international maritime mission on an end to hostilities in the strait, the sources said. No further details on participants or the timing of deployment were immediately available.