UK gathers more than 30 countries in bid to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to the world

Nearly three dozen countries will meet virtually Thursday to make a concerted effort to find a solution to the escalating crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping artery that is currently severely disrupted. This waterway, which is vital for the global flow of oil, brought traffic to a halt following Iranian attacks on commercial ships, causing oil prices to skyrocket.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that the virtual summit, chaired by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, was aimed at finding solutions. He stated that the meeting “will consider all practicable diplomatic and political measures we can take to restore freedom of navigation, guarantee the safety of stranded ships and sailors, and restart the movement of vital goods.”

The USA is especially expected to not take part in the discussions. Donald Trump had previously argued that it was not America’s responsibility to ensure the security of the waterway and told US allies to “go buy your own oil”.

No country appears willing to open the strait by force as it struggles with anger, and Iran can target ships with anti-ship missiles, drones, assault vehicles and mines. But Starmer said on Wednesday that military planners from an unspecified number of countries would meet soon to work on how to ensure shipping security “after the wars stop”.

Meanwhile, 35 countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Japan and the United Arab Emirates, signed a declaration demanding that Iran stop attempts to close the strait and pledging to “contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage” through the waterway.

Thursday’s meeting is considered a first step, followed by “working-level meetings” of officials to hammer out details.

Starmer said resuming shipping “won’t be easy” and would require “a united front of military force and diplomatic activity” as well as partnership with the shipping industry.

The idea of ​​an international effort has echoes of the international “coalition of the willing” led by Britain and France to bolster Ukraine’s security following a future ceasefire in the war. The coalition is partly an attempt to show the Trump administration that Europe is stepping up to do more for its own security.

The urgency of stronger continental defense has been further strengthened by Trump’s new suggestion that the United States could withdraw from NATO.