Iran Seeks To Maintain Its Chokehold Of Hormuz. The U.S. And The U.K. Are Set To Meet To Put An End To It

The U.S. and the U.K. are set to convene a high-level meeting next week to discuss a potential international coalition to guarantee safe passage through the Hormuz Strait as Iran seeks to exert control of the key waterway, according to a new report.

Axios detailed that the meeting is set to take place in London and could feature the attendance of Defense Secretary Hegseth and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Dan Caine, as well as other top officials from different countries.

The outlet went on to note that Washington wants to build on previous discussions the U.K. and France had in recent month about such a coalition. However, some countries said they would only join if fighting in the waterway stops.

Clashes continue in the meantime, with another report from The New York Times claiming that Iran rejected a ceasefire proposal sent by the U.S. through the Iraqi prime minister.

The outlet noted that Ali al-Zaidi conveyed the proposal to Tehran after visiting Washington earlier this month.

However, he was told that Tehran was not interested in a "temporary deal" that would not address the status of the Hormuz Strait, a sticking point in negotiations that led to the current flare up.

At the same time, President Donald Trump told Axios that he is close to making a decision on whether to launch a "massive attack" against Iran.

"I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it," the president told the outlet.

At the same time, Pakistan began a new China-led push to get the U.S. and Iran to negotiate.

Reuters detailed that the country began exploratory discussions during a recent visit from the Iranian Interior Minister to Islamabad this week.

Eskandar Momeni is considered close to the country's powerful revolutionary guard and met with Pakistani chief Asim Munir.

"The Chinese are unhappy because Iran's attacks on other Gulf states and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are hitting their interests," a Pakistani government official told the outlet.

China's foreign ministry, in turn, said the country "supports the mediation efforts made by Pakistan and other parties." It added that Beijing will continue to play "an active role in restoring peace and tranquility in the Middle East Gulf region as soon as possible."