The U.S. and UK will reportedly convene a high-level conference in London next week to build an international coalition protecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine may attend, Axios reported on Friday, citing a White House official.
The White House did not immediately respond to Benzinga‘s requests for comment.
Energy Corridor at Stake as War Enters Fifth Month
The strait is a critical global energy corridor. Reopening it fully is central to any U.S. exit strategy from the conflict with Iran and to stabilizing volatile energy markets.
The war is now in its fifth month, with escalations extending beyond the U.S., Iran and Israel. Middle Eastern countries hosting American military bases have also faced repeated attacks.
Iran Holds Firm as Mediators Push for Off-Ramp
On Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran “will not submit to U.S. bullying,” according to Axios.
Oman resumed mediation talks in Tehran the same day. Araghchi also discussed proposals with his Pakistani counterpart, a mediator in U.S.-Iran talks, saying “the problem is America’s approach.”
On Thursday, President Donald Trump said he is nearing a decision on launching a “massive attack” on Iran, while Pakistan is reportedly working to revive stalled negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
In May, the UK deployed HMS Dragon, a Type-45 destroyer, to the Middle East as part of the broader coalition effort to provide naval escorts through the Strait of Hormuz.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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