Summit chaired by Yvette Cooper
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will chair a virtual meeting of more than 30 foreign ministers on Thursday to coordinate international efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global energy exports. The US is not expected to attend the summit.
Tensions and attacks in the Strait
Iran has targeted several vessels in the Strait in response to US and Israeli military actions, disrupting energy shipments and pushing global fuel prices higher. On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump criticised allies for delays, saying they should “just take it, protect it, use it for yourselves” while urging other nations to show “delayed courage.”
Diplomatic and military considerations
The UK-hosted talks will include countries that signed a mid-March statement calling on Iranian forces to cease attacks on commercial ships, supported by Gulf states, France, Germany, Japan, and Australia.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that the UK is exploring “each and every diplomatic avenue” to reopen the Strait. He added that British military planners would consider future steps to ensure the route remains accessible and safe after hostilities cease.
Economic impact
The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas. Brent crude prices have surged from $73 to over $100 per barrel in recent weeks, creating cost-of-living pressures globally and heightening the urgency of reopening the route.
Also read: Greenpeace accuses oil companies of profiteering from war
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