Tehran: Nearly three dozen countries are set to convene for urgent talks aimed at restoring movement through the Strait of Hormuz, as disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran continue to choke one of the world’s most critical oil transit corridors.
The virtual meeting, announced by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, will bring together international partners to explore diplomatic and political options to ease the blockade and ensure the safety of vessels stranded in the region. The discussions will be chaired by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.
Officials say the primary focus will be on securing safe passage for commercial ships and resuming the flow of essential commodities, particularly crude oil, which has seen sharp price increases following the disruption.
The crisis has escalated after repeated threats and attacks on merchant vessels, effectively halting most maritime traffic through the narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to global markets. The situation has sent shockwaves through energy markets, intensifying concerns over supply shortages.
Around 35 nations—including major economies such as United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Japan and the United Arab Emirates—have already issued a joint statement urging Iran to cease actions that threaten navigation and pledging support for efforts to safeguard maritime routes.
Notably, the United States is not part of the meeting. President Donald Trump has indicated that reopening the strait is not a priority for Washington, urging allied nations to manage their own energy security concerns.
While no country has yet committed to using force to reopen the passage amid ongoing hostilities, officials suggest that military coordination could be explored once the conflict subsides. Starmer acknowledged that restoring normal shipping operations would be complex and would require coordinated diplomatic efforts backed by credible security assurances.
As global trade and energy markets remain under strain, the outcome of these talks is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the next steps toward stabilising the region.
