Today a meeting of about 40 countries on opening of Hormuz, oil prices slightly down

(Patria) - Great Britain and France will today chair a meeting of allies on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. As announced by the office of the British Prime Minister, the meeting is expected to be attended by about 40 countries, and the focus will be on preserving the fragile ceasefire in the region and ensuring freedom of navigation through the strait.

Iran has practically closed this key maritime route after American-Israeli attacks, while the US has initiated a blockade of Iranian ports, leading to an increase in energy prices on global markets.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to say that the "unconditional and urgent" reopening of the strait is a "global responsibility", and according to the invitation from the Elysée Palace, the possibility of deploying a defensive international military mission to protect navigation will also be discussed.

Oil prices have slightly fallen after the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon came into effect. The global benchmark Brent crude fell by almost one percent, to about $98.5 per barrel, while US crude fell by 1.2 percent, to approximately $93.6 (about 86 euros).

Stock markets in Asia recorded a slight decline after rising during the week. The Japanese Nikkei 225 index fell by 0.8 percent, while the South Korean Kospi weakened by 0.3 percent.