Kosovo and Albania are among more than 30 countries that have joined the United Kingdom in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route that has been disrupted due to the conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran.
In a joint statement released by participating countries and published by the UK government, the nations called on Iran to halt attacks immediately.
“We strongly condemn the recent Iranian attacks on unprotected commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf, attacks on civilian infrastructure including oil and gas facilities, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces. We express our deep concern over the escalation of the conflict. We call on Iran to immediately cease threats, mine-laying, drone and missile attacks, and any efforts to block the strait for commercial shipping, and to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817,” the statement read.
Kosovo officially joined this declaration on March 23, 2026.
The signatory states expressed their willingness to contribute to safe passage efforts through the Strait of Hormuz.
“We will also work to provide support to the most affected countries, including through the United Nations and International Financial Institutions (IFIs),” the declaration added.
The joint statement was issued by the leaders of the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Japan, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand, Denmark, Latvia, Slovenia, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Romania, Bahrain, Lithuania, Australia, UAE, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, Croatia, Bulgaria, Kosovo, Panama, North Macedonia, Nigeria, Montenegro, Albania, Marshall Islands, Chile, Moldova, Greece, and Somalia.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the virtual meeting, led by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, “will evaluate all possible diplomatic and political measures to restore freedom of navigation, ensure the safety of blocked vessels and seafarers, and resume the movement of essential goods.”
The Iranian attacks on commercial vessels and the threat of further assaults have halted nearly all traffic through this strategic waterway, which connects the Persian Gulf to the rest of the world’s oceans, disrupting global oil supply and pushing prices higher.
Former US President Donald Trump stated that securing this shipping route is not America’s responsibility and told US allies: “Go secure your own oil yourselves.”
