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Military planners from countries seeking to join a UK and France-led mission to keep the Strait of Hormuz open once the Iran war ends have held constructive talks in London.
More than 40 nations sent planners to the two-day conference at the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood.
They had aimed to build on talks held by Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris last week, and agree a defensive plan that will restore confidence for commercial shipping.
Defence Secretary John Healey told attendees that “millions of people” were relying on them to succeed because of the importance of the strait.
A fifth of the world’s oil usually passes through, and Iran’s effective closure of the critical supply route after the US-Israeli bombing campaign began in February has inflicted a global economic shock and sent energy prices soaring.
The talks, held on Wednesday and Thursday, were constructive and generated clear momentum, it is understood.
More than 40 nations sent planners to the two-day conference at the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood. ( Alastair Grant - WPA Pool/Getty Images )
Addressing the planners, Mr Healey said: “A huge thank you and respect to you all for being here.
“I can’t tell you how proud we are to have you here at our Permanent Joint headquarters in the UK.
“Our task is to turn the diplomatic consensus of our leaders into practical military plans that can safeguard freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
“A task to create a joint plan, bringing together the early planning from the French and from the UK sides.
“A defensive, multinational mission that will strengthen the confidence of commercial shipping, and, if necessary, clear mines and protect vessels when the hostilities end.
“International trade, energy, and economic stability for all our nations depend on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
“They depend on unrestricted, unconditional transit through the Strait.
“So millions of people in all our nations are looking to our leaders, and to you, for the success of the work that you’re doing over these two days.
“I know you won’t let them down. We can’t let them down.”