Ed Miliband set for crucial talks in Turkey over Strait of Hormuz crisis and Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia

Ed Miliband is due in Turkey on Friday for talks on reduced shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and rising Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. He is expected to argue that Iran and its allied forces threaten regional security and global markets, and to press for a diplomatic settlement that restores freedom of navigation.

The meeting brings together Britain, France, Germany and Italy with Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Britain has expanded military aid to Saudi Arabia, including fighter jets to intercept drones and missiles. Iran’s state television reported that seven oil tankers were damaged overnight in the strait, but the account has not been independently verified; casualties and the vessels’ flags were not reported.