U.S. and U.K. Plan London Summit for Hormuz Coalition

The United States and United Kingdom are organizing a high-level summit in London to establish an international naval coalition to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The initiative, led by Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Defense Secretary, seeks contributions of naval vessels, drones, and de-mining ships to counter a maritime blockade by Iran that has disrupted global oil transit and spiked gas prices. Windward Intelligence reported that no oil tankers crossed the strait on July 27.

President Donald Trump has intensified the conflict by threatening to destroy an Iranian bridge or power plant for every strike against commercial vessels, stating he is nearing a decision on a massive attack. While British Defense Secretary Wes Streeting affirmed alignment on securing maritime freedom, he clarified that the U.K. will not join offensive military actions in Iran. Other European allies, including France, have conditioned their support on a stable ceasefire, citing frustration over the Trump administration's failure to consult allies before airstrikes in February.

Diplomatic efforts continue as Oman and Pakistan attempt to mediate. An Omani delegation visited Tehran to discuss reopening the waterway with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. However, Iranian officials have disputed the existence of a ceasefire, and Araghchi has stated the region will not submit to U.S. bullying.