The United Kingdom and France are hosting a two-day multinational conference to translate diplomatic consensus into a joint plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies. The conference follows U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to extend the U.S.-Iran ceasefire until negotiations with Iran conclude. President Trump has also ordered that the U.S. blockade at the Strait of Hormuz remains in place. Hopes of U.S.-Iran negotiations resuming as early as Wednesday were dashed after reports emerged that the trip of U.S. Vice President JD Vance to Pakistan, which hosted the previous round of failed talks, has been put on hold. As of early Wednesday, there were no signs that the talks could resume soon. More than 30 countries are represented, and the meeting will span two days. The U.S. blockade remains in place outside the Strait, and the ceasefire has been extended until negotiations with Iran finish. The UK government said the sessions would advance military plans to reopen the Strait as soon as conditions permit, following a sustainable ceasefire agreement. Defence Secretary John Healey added that the task is to translate diplomatic consensus into a joint plan to safeguard freedom of navigation and support a lasting ceasefire, noting that "international trade, energy security and the stability of the global economy depend on freedom of navigation." By strengthening multinational coordination and planning for effective collective action, the coalition aims to reopen the Strait, stabilise the global economy and protect our people. By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com