LONDON (AP) – Nearly thirty-five countries are set to convene on Thursday for a virtual meeting aimed at applying diplomatic and political pressure to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This critical shipping route has been severely obstructed due to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, which has significantly hampered maritime traffic in the region.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer indicated that the meeting, chaired by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, will focus on evaluating all possible diplomatic and political strategies to restore the freedom of navigation, guarantee the safety of stranded ships and seafarers, and resume the movement of essential commodities across this vital thoroughfare.
Escalating Iranian attacks on commercial vessels, coupled with ongoing threats to further disrupt shipping activities, have resulted in a near-total halt of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The strait serves as a critical link between the Persian Gulf and global oceans, and its blockade is impacting the world’s oil supply, causing petroleum prices to soar significantly.
Notably, the United States will not participate in Thursday's discussions. Former President Trump has previously stated that securing the waterway is “not America’s job,” prompting U.S. allies to “go get your own oil.” Despite the considerable threat posed by Iran's military capabilities, including the use of anti-ship missiles, drones, attack craft, and mines, no participating nation is willing to attempt a forceful reopening of the strait while active conflict persists. Nevertheless, Starmer mentioned that military planners from various countries are scheduled to convene shortly to strategize on how to ensure the security of shipping routes “after the fighting has stopped.”
As it stands, 35 countries, including the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates, have collectively issued a statement urging Iran to cease its efforts to blockade the Strait of Hormuz. These nations have also pledged to undertake appropriate measures to safeguard passage through this vital maritime corridor.
Thursday's meeting is viewed as a preliminary step that will lead to lower-level discussions among officials to work out the finer points of their strategy. Starmer acknowledged that restoring shipping through the strait will be a complex task, necessitating “a united front of military strength and diplomatic activity” in partnership with maritime industry stakeholders.
This international concerted effort echoes a prior initiative known as the “coalition of the willing,” which was organized by the U.K. and France to support Ukraine’s security in anticipation of a prospective ceasefire. This coalition serves, in part, to illustrate to the Trump administration that European nations are proactively engaging in enhancing their security measures.
The growing urgency for bolstered continental defenses has been intensified by Trump’s recent assertion that the U.S. might withdraw from NATO, raising further concerns about international security commitments in the face of escalating geopolitical tensions.
