US and UK discuss reopening Strait of Hormuz

Talks between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz ahead of a meeting involving defence ministers from around 40 countries, according to the United States Department of State.

The discussions come amid continued disruption to global shipping and energy flows linked to the conflict involving Iran.

British Defence Secretary John Healey and French counterpart Catherine Vautrin are expected to co-chair the coalition meeting later on Tuesday.

Officials are set to discuss potential military contributions to a defensive mission aimed at safeguarding commercial shipping through the strait after the war ends.