London: Britain and France are hosting defence ministers from dozens of countries today to discuss military plans aimed at restoring maritime shipping through the Middle East. Ahead of the meeting, the United States and Britain held talks on protecting navigation in the region after the cessation of combat operations.

According to Oman News Agency, Britain has already announced the deployment of the destroyer HMS Dragon to the region to take part in the multinational mission, should conditions permit. The support ship RFA Lyme Bay is also being prepared to operate as a dedicated mine countermeasures vessel, which could help secure shipping lanes.