Nearly three dozen nations are set to convene virtually on Thursday in a concerted effort to address the escalating crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping artery now severely disrupted.
The vital waterway, essential for global oil flow, has seen traffic grind to a halt following Iranian attacks on commercial vessels, driving petroleum prices sharply upwards.
Prime minister Keir Starmer confirmed the virtual summit, chaired by foreign secretary Yvette Cooper, aims to find solutions.
He stated the meeting “will 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.”
Notably absent from the discussions will be the United States. Donald Trump has previously asserted that securing the waterway is not America’s responsibility, telling US allies to “go get your own oil”.
No country appears willing to try and open the strait by force while fighting rages and Iran can target vessels with anti-ship missiles, drones, attack craft and mines. But Sir Keir said Wednesday that military planners from an unspecified number of countries will meet soon to work on how to ensure security for shipping “after the fighting has stopped.”
In the meantime, 35 countries, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Japan and the United Arab Emirates, have signed a statement demanding Iran stop its attempts to block the strait and pledging to “contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage” through the waterway.
Thursday’s meeting is considered a first step, to be followed by “working-level meetings” of officials to hammer out details.
Sir Keir said resuming shipping “will not be easy”, and will require “a united front of military strength and diplomatic activity” alongside partnership with the maritime industry.
The international effort idea has echoes of the international “coalition of the willing” that has been assembled, led by the UK and France, to underpin Ukraine’s security after a future ceasefire in that war.
The coalition is, in part, an attempt to demonstrate to the Trump administration that Europe is stepping up to do more for its own security.
The urgency of stronger continental defenses has been reinforced by Trump’s renewed suggestion that the US could pull out of Nato.
