Reopening Strait of Hormuz is a ‘global responsibility’, Starmer says amid Trump blockade
Sir Keir Starmer will declare reopening the Strait of Hormuz a “global responsibility” as he hosts a meeting of world leaders in Paris.
The shipping line, which is vital for one-fifth of the global oil supply, was closed by Iran following attacks by America and Israel.
In retaliation, US President Donald Trump began blockading Iran’s oil ports in an attempt to prevent Tehran from fossil fuel revenue.
Sir Keir will arrive in Paris late on Friday morning for a virtual meeting with Emmanuel Macron, followed by lunch with the French president.
Approximately 40 countries and the International Maritime Organization are expected to participate in the call.
The Prime Minister is expected to say the following at the summit: “The unconditional and immediate reopening of the Strait is a global responsibility, and we must take action to ensure that global energy and trade flow freely again.
“Emmanuel Macron and I are clear in our determination to establish a multinational initiative to protect freedom of navigation.
“We must reassure commercial shipping and support demining operations to ensure a return to global stability and security.”
The Prime Minister will be joined by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Chief of Staff Sir Richard Knighton.
The call will focus on supporting the US-Iran ceasefire and developing a plan to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to shipping after the Middle East war ends.
Downing Street said planning was ongoing for a joint defense mission, with the aim of countries sending combined military forces as soon as conditions allow.
Friday’s conference will be followed by a multinational military planning summit next week at Joint Permanent Headquarters in Northwood, north-west London.
Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper is continuing her own diplomatic push ahead of the US-Iran ceasefire, which expires on Tuesday, and will visit Japan as well as Turkey and the Gulf.
