Britain has accused Iran of holding the global economy “hostage” as more than 40 countries convened urgent talks aimed at reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global oil and trade flows disrupted by escalating conflict in the region.
The virtual meeting, attended by diplomats from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, focused on diplomatic and political pathways to restore safe passage through the waterway. The disruption follows the intensification of hostilities linked to the U.S.-Israeli war involving Iran, which has led to the closure of the strait and severe consequences for global supply chains.
Notably absent from the talks was the United States. Donald Trump has indicated that securing the shipping route is not a U.S. responsibility, while also criticizing European allies for their stance on the conflict and renewing threats to withdraw from NATO.
U.K. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the coordinated effort demonstrated “the strength of our international determination” to reopen the strait through non-military means.
“We have seen Iran hijack an international shipping route to hold the global economy hostage,” she stated, warning that surging oil and food prices are already placing unsustainable pressure on households and businesses worldwide.
More than three dozen countries including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates have jointly called on Iran to cease blocking the strait. In a unified statement, they pledged to support efforts to ensure the safe resumption of maritime traffic.
Diplomatic discussions also addressed the urgent need to safeguard approximately 20,000 seafarers aboard an estimated 2,000 vessels currently stranded due to the Crisis.
As global markets react to rising energy costs and disrupted trade routes, the outcome of these talks will be critical in determining whether diplomatic efforts can stabilize one of the world’s most essential shipping corridors without further escalation.
