Military Officials from Over 30 Countries Discuss Reopening of Hormuz Strait

Moscow (ANTARA) - Military officials from more than 30 countries attended an online conference of the UK-led coalition on Tuesday (7/4) to discuss efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for shipping, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.

“Military planners, allies, and partners from more than 30 countries joined today’s virtual planning conference to coordinate the necessary steps to ensure safe and unhindered access to the Strait of Hormuz in the future,” the ministry stated.

Previously, UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper led a meeting of foreign ministers from coalition countries last Thursday. The foreign ministers agreed to consider measures to pressure Iran into reopening the vital waterway, including through sanctions.

The UK-proposed declaration expressing willingness to help lift the strait blockade has been signed by 38 countries. Initially, the document was supported by the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan.

On 28 February, the United States and Israel launched attacks on targets in Iran, including in Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties.

Iran then retaliated by attacking Israeli territory and US military facilities in the Middle East.

The escalation of conflict in the region nearly halted shipments transiting the Strait of Hormuz, which is the main supply route for global oil and LNG. As a result, fuel prices in most countries have surged.