US-UK plan Hormuz coalition

The United States and United Kingdom are planning a high-level meeting in London next week to discuss forming an international coalition to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Axios. The meeting could include US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine, along with defense ministers from Western and Middle Eastern nations. The initiative aims to build on prior UK-France discussions and is seen as part of a US exit strategy from the conflict with Iran. The Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20-25% of global oil trade passes, has been disrupted by Iranian attacks on commercial vessels, prompting US strikes on Iranian military positions. No Iranian attacks have been reported in the past four days, but US officials remain divided on Iran's remaining capabilities. Meanwhile, Oman has sent a delegation to Iran to discuss reopening the strait, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a phone call with his Omani counterpart Badr al-Busaidi. The US has threatened to target Iranian infrastructure if attacks resume, and Iran has threatened infrastructure in Gulf countries. The conflict began with a US-Israeli military operation against Iran in February, followed by a brief ceasefire in June, but the US resumed large-scale strikes on July 8.