The United States and Britain are preparing to host an international conference in London next week focused on protecting commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz as tensions with Iran continue to threaten one of the world's most important maritime routes, Axios reported.

Senior officials are expected to discuss ways to strengthen maritime security and ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the strategic waterway. Organizers are still finalizing the conference agenda and participant list.

War Secretary Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, could attend.

The planned meeting comes amid growing concern over attacks and other disruptions affecting ships traveling through the strait. The United States has stepped up military operations targeting Iran's coastal and naval capabilities in response to threats against commercial maritime traffic.

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea and serves as a critical route for global energy exports. Roughly one-fifth of the world's oil supply passes through the narrow passage, making any disruption a significant concern for global markets.

U.S. officials view restoring normal commercial shipping through the strait as an important step toward easing the broader conflict with Iran. The conference is expected to examine options for coordinating international efforts to safeguard maritime traffic and deter future attacks.

The meeting follows the collapse of recent diplomatic efforts to reach an agreement on shipping security in the region. With negotiations stalled, governments have turned their attention to other approaches for protecting vessels transiting the waterway.

Among the topics expected to be discussed are possible multinational security measures, including increased naval coordination, intelligence sharing, and other steps designed to improve the safety of commercial shipping. Any decisions on a broader maritime security arrangement remain under discussion.

The conference comes as fighting between the United States and Iran continues to intensify. U.S. military operations have expanded beyond strikes on Iran's naval assets to include attacks on military infrastructure and logistical facilities, while Iran has continued retaliatory actions against U.S. interests and commercial shipping in the Gulf region.