UK-led coalition to take action on Hormuz Strait shipping congestion

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a virtual summit with foreign ministers from 40 countries to discuss options for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route that has been blocked by Iran’s retaliatory attacks on commercial ships.

The meeting, chaired by UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, aims to assess all viable diplomatic and political measures to restore access to the strait. The summit comes after US President Donald Trump stated that securing the waterway is not his country’s responsibility.

Participating countries, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates, have signed a statement demanding that Iran stop its attempts to block the strait and pledging to contribute to efforts to ensure safe passage. The meeting is considered a first step in addressing the issue, with “working-level meetings” of officials planned to follow.

The coalition includes countries from various regions, including Western nations, NATO member states, and non-NATO countries such as Bahrain, the UAE, Panama, and Nigeria. However, no country appears willing to use military force to open the strait due to concerns about Iran’s ability to target vessels with anti-ship missiles, drones, attack craft, and mines.

British Prime Minister Starmer has emphasized the need for non-military solutions, stating that resuming shipping will require a “united front of military strength and diplomatic activity” alongside partnership with the maritime industry. French President Emmanuel Macron has also expressed skepticism about launching a military operation to force open the strait, citing its impracticality and potential risks.

The summit is seen as an attempt by European countries to demonstrate their commitment to regional security, particularly in light of Trump’s threats to leave NATO.

Source: Al Jazeera