UK to Host Virtual Summit on Strait of Hormuz

On Thursday, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will lead a gathering of over 30 foreign ministers in a bid to devise a strategy for restoring access to the Strait of Hormuz. The event aims to explore diplomatic initiatives that could ease the disruption of the vital shipping channel, which has been a focal point of recent tensions. Notably, the United States will not participate in the summit, despite its central role in the conflict with Iran.

Iran has targeted several vessels in the Strait as retaliation for military actions by the US and Israel, causing significant delays in energy exports and driving global fuel prices higher. US President Donald Trump recently urged other nations to “build up some delayed courage” and take control of the situation, stating that allies “should have done it” earlier. He emphasized the need for a decisive move: “Go to the Strait and just take it. Protect it. Use it for yourselves.”

“We are examining every diplomatic option to ensure the Strait is reopened,” said Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who also noted that British military strategists are assessing future measures to “secure the Strait and guarantee its safety after hostilities cease.”

The summit follows a mid-March joint declaration by nations advocating for Iranian forces to cease attacks on commercial ships. This statement received backing from Gulf states, France, Germany, Japan, Australia, and other international partners. Meanwhile, global leaders are grappling with how to address inflationary pressures linked to surging energy costs. Approximately 20% of the world’s oil and gas traffic passes through the Strait, and the price of Brent crude has risen from $73 (£55) to over $100 in recent weeks.

Washington has criticized its allies for insufficient efforts to safeguard the Strait or back its operations, prompting the UK and others to evaluate their contributions without escalating into broader regional warfare.