Britain-France Reject Hormuz Strait Patrol Before US-Iran Ceasefire Achieved

JAKARTA - US allies in Europe, especially Britain and France, have refused to support the US in conducting patrols in the Strait of Hormuz until a sustainable ceasefire in the US war with Iran is realized.

As reported by Politico, Wednesday, July 29, US Secretary of Defense (Menhan) Pete Hegseth has discussed this joint patrol initiative with British Defense Secretary Wes Streeting through a telephone conversation on Friday (24/7).

French Minister of the Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin then joined the talks on Monday (27/7).

As reported by ANTARA from Sputnik, US and British officials will hold an international conference in London to determine the role of each country and assign warships to search for sea mines or protect civilian shipping through the strait.

According to a number of sources, the discussion so far has made minimal progress and there has been no breakthrough that is expected to occur soon.

Previously, on July 8, US President Donald Trump said the arms reduction with Iran reached on June 18 was no longer valid. Since July 8, the US military has launched a number of attacks on Iran.

Escalation around Iran has led to the Strait of Hormuz, which is an important route for oil and liquefied natural gas supplies to global markets, being de facto blocked. The situation also impacts oil exports and production.

As a result of this condition, most countries in the world have experienced an increase in fuel and industrial product prices.