UK, France reluctant to join Hormuz security mission – POLITICO

The United Kingdom and France are reluctant to join a proposed naval mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz, preferring to first see a durable ceasefire in the conflict with Iran, POLITICO reports, citing British and US officials.

According to the report, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged European allies to lead a coalition tasked with clearing mines from the strategic waterway and escorting commercial vessels.

The United States and the United Kingdom are also discussing the possibility of holding an international conference in London, although officials cited by POLITICO said they do not expect rapid progress.

The publication said European governments remain frustrated that Washington did not inform them in advance about the start of the US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February. As a result, they are unwilling to take part in a high-risk operation without firm guarantees that hostilities have ended.

UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting made clear that London neither participated in nor intends to participate in offensive US military operations against Iran, but reaffirmed Britain's support for ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

By Jeyhun Aghazada