The United Kingdom will host a high-level meeting of 35 nations later this week to address the ongoing crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Wednesday.
Speaking from Downing Street, Starmer confirmed that Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will convene the meeting, bringing together countries that previously supported a joint statement calling for safe passage through the strategically vital waterway.
The summit aims to explore diplomatic and political solutions to restore stability in the region.
“The meeting will assess all viable diplomatic and political measures to restore freedom of navigation, guarantee the safety of stranded ships and seafarers, and resume the flow of essential commodities,” Starmer said.
Focus on Security and Trade Stability
In addition to diplomatic efforts, the UK plans to engage military partners to evaluate how they can coordinate capabilities to ensure the Strait becomes safe and accessible once hostilities subside.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime routes, serving as a key channel for global oil and gas shipments. Its disruption has raised serious concerns about energy security and international trade.
Broad International Participation
The meeting will include countries that endorsed last month’s joint declaration on safeguarding maritime routes, including:
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Netherlands
These nations have committed to working together on coordinated measures to protect the flow of global trade through the region.
The summit comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and ongoing concerns over the closure of the Strait, which has effectively disrupted one of the world’s most important energy corridors.
