UK to Lead 35 Countries in Talks on Reopening Strait of Hormuz
The United Kingdom will convene representatives from 35 countries, excluding the United States, to discuss strategies for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime route for oil and gas shipments currently blocked by Iran.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the forthcoming phase of discussions, part of a joint British and French initiative to secure the waterway, is scheduled for Thursday. The meeting will include Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and various international leaders.
Former US President Donald Trump has stated that the responsibility for securing the strait would fall to other nations should the US discontinue its military actions against Tehran, criticizing European countries for their lack of support for his approach.
Starmer explained on Wednesday that the meeting aims to bring together 35 countries to
“assess all viable diplomatic and political measures we can take to restore freedom of navigation, guarantee the safety of trapped ships and seafarers and to resume the movement of vital commodities”.
Downing Street indicated that this gathering marks the first occasion these countries have assembled to formulate a practical plan to reopen the strait. The prime minister added that British military planners will convene subsequently
“to look at how we can marshal our capabilities and make the strait accessible and safe after the fighting has stopped”.
Starmer, who hosted energy and shipping industry leaders at No 10 on Monday, cautioned that the recovery process would be prolonged once hostilities cease.
“I do have to level with people on this, this will not be easy,”he stated.
“They were clear with me, the primary challenge they face is not one of insurance, but one of safety and security of passage. So, the fact is, we need all of this together – a united front of military strength and diplomatic activity, partnership with industry, so they too can mobilise once the fighting has stopped and, above all, clear and calm leadership. That is what this country is ready to provide.
“Because my guide from the start of this conflict has always been the British national interest. And freedom of navigation in the Middle East is in the British national interest.”
Participants and Objectives of the Meeting
The meeting will include countries that signed a joint statement last month, with additional nations joining since. Participants include the UK, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates, and Nigeria. The statement commits these countries to a
“readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the strait”.
It is understood that the United States has not been directly invited to participate in the talks. The focus remains on signatories of the joint statement, European allies, and leading maritime and regional stakeholders.
Impact of Iran's Blockade and Military Planning
Approximately 1,000 ships remain stranded due to Iran's partial blockade of the strait, a response to US and Israeli strikes. Prior to the conflict, tankers transported roughly one-fifth of the world's oil and gas supplies through this channel, as well as about one-third of global fertilizers essential for half of the world's food production. Since the onset of the war, only around 130 ships have passed through, a figure equivalent to the usual daily traffic.
The UK Ministry of Defence has dispatched military planners to US Central Command to evaluate options for facilitating tanker transit through the strait.
Statements from Iran and Former US President
On Wednesday, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps issued a statement on state television affirming that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed to
“enemies of this nation”and that control remains with its navy.
Donald Trump posted on social media the same day that no ceasefire with Iran would occur until it relinquished control of the waterway.
“We will consider when Hormuz Strait is open, free, and clear. Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages!!!”
