UK to lead talks with 35 countries on reopening Strait of Hormuz

Friday, April 3, 2026 - Britain is set to host high-level talks with about 35 countries aimed at exploring ways to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route disrupted by the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

The virtual meeting will be chaired by British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and will include representatives from countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates. The United States is not expected to participate.

The discussions follow remarks by US President Donald Trump, who stated that securing the vital waterway should be the responsibility of nations that depend on it, suggesting the route could reopen “naturally.”

The Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for roughly a fifth of the world’s oil consumption, has been effectively shut down by Iran in response to recent military strikes linked to the conflict. The disruption has triggered concerns globally as energy prices continue to rise.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the meeting would focus on assessing all viable diplomatic and political measures to restore freedom of navigation once a ceasefire is achieved.

Initial resistance from European countries to deploy naval forces to the region, due to fears of escalating the conflict, has begun to shift amid growing concerns over the global economic impact of rising energy costs.

Officials indicated that Thursday’s meeting will mark the first formal stage of coordination, with more detailed discussions involving military planners expected in the coming weeks.

Early proposals are expected to prioritise clearing mines from the waterway, followed by measures to protect oil tankers navigating the route.

Starmer noted that reopening the Strait would be a complex task requiring a coordinated approach combining military strength, diplomacy, and collaboration with the global shipping industry.

Trump also urged countries relying on the route to take greater responsibility for its security, encouraging them to act decisively in safeguarding access to the waterway.