Defence ministers from over 40 countries are scheduled to meet to discuss a coalition plan led by the United Kingdom and France aimed at protecting shipping in the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz. The summit, co-chaired by UK Defence Secretary John Healey and French counterpart Catherine Vautrin, marks the third such meeting in three weeks amid escalating tensions in the region following the recent conflict between the US and Iran.

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime corridor, through which approximately 20% of the world's oil shipments transit, alongside significant volumes of gas and other commodities such as fertiliser. Iran has effectively restricted access to the strait for most commercial traffic in response to the ongoing conflict, causing widespread economic disruption globally. In retaliation, the United States has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports to prevent vessels associated with Tehran from operating through the waterway.

The UK has announced the deployment of the Type-45 destroyer HMS Dragon to the area, positioning it in support of a potential multinational mission intended to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels once hostilities cease. The vessel’s deployment, however, followed earlier setbacks, including its recent return to port for maintenance and previous delays reaching the region after an Iranian drone attack on RAF Akrotiri, which underscored the operational challenges in the area.

In the lead-up to the meeting, tensions remain high. Iran has issued stern warnings against the deployment of British and French warships in the Strait of Hormuz. Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister, characterized such military presence as an escalation, asserting that any warships sent under the pretext of protecting shipping would face an "immediate decisive response." Tehran has also criticized coalition efforts as being aligned with "illegal and internationally unlawful actions" by the United States.

The fragile ceasefire between Iran and the US, which began last month, showed signs of strain with recent security incidents in the Persian Gulf. A bulk carrier was reportedly fired upon approximately 23 nautical miles northeast of Doha, Qatar, resulting in a small fire that was later extinguished. Details surrounding the vessel’s ownership and the attackers remain unclear. Additionally, Kuwait’s military reported detecting and countering several hostile drones in the early hours of a recent day, marking the first such encounter since the ceasefire.

Meanwhile, Iran disclosed that Mojtaba Khamenei, the new Supreme Leader, has recovered from injuries sustained during a joint US-Israeli attack on the opening day of the conflict. Official statements described his wounds as minor, despite media reports suggesting he required surgery.

As defence ministers convene, the coalition is expected to finalize contributions and operational plans to facilitate the reopening and secure navigation of the Strait of Hormuz, with an emphasis on maintaining global trade flows and energy security amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.