UK, France defense ministers say they are ‘confident’ progress can be made on Strait of Hormuz

British defense minister John Healey and his French counterpart Catherine Vautrin say they are confident that real progress can be made on the key Strait of Hormuz, as the two countries host a meeting with military planners on the issue.

“Turning diplomatic momentum into action demands sharp planning, frank discussion and firm commitments from allied and partner nations,” they say in a joint statement released by Britain’s Ministry of Defense.

The Strait of Hormuz has effectively been blocked by Iran since the US and Israel launched the war in February.

“We are grateful to those nations who have already indicated their willingness to contribute. We are confident that real progress can be made,” the statement, described as a message to those attending the meeting, adds.