Ukraine has announced its readiness to deploy four minehunters to support a British and French-led mission aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor. The Ukrainian naval officers will participate in a multinational military planning summit at the Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ) in Northwood, northwest London, which is expected to include representatives from over 30 nations. The minehunters, currently stationed in Portsmouth, UK, were originally purchased to assist in de-mining operations in the Black Sea post-conflict. A Ukrainian military source noted that these vessels cannot return to Ukraine due to their high-risk status and restrictions imposed by the Montreux Convention of 1936, which limits military vessel passage through the Bosporus Strait. Meanwhile, the United States is optimistic about ongoing negotiations to reduce hostilities, despite uncertainties surrounding a ceasefire. Iran has shown a tentative willingness to engage in talks, although tensions remain high, particularly concerning US sanctions and military actions in the region.