Hormuz Summit: UK Hosts 35 Nations as Middle East Tensions Rise

The United Kingdom will host a meeting of 35 countries on Thursday to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route blocked by Iran, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Wednesday. The meeting, which excludes the United States, aims to explore diplomatic and political measures to restore freedom of navigation and ensure the safety of ships, and seafarers.

Starmer stated the talks will assess “all viable diplomatic and political measures we can take to restore freedom of navigation, guarantee the safety of trapped ships and seafarers and to resume the movement of vital commodities,” according to reports from the Guardian and Al Jazeera. Following the meeting, British military planners will convene to discuss how to secure the strait once hostilities cease.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquified natural gas supplies transit, has sent global energy prices soaring. This action by Iran comes in response to ongoing US-Israeli actions in the Middle East. The UK’s initiative comes as Donald Trump has criticized European nations for a lack of support for US strikes on Tehran, suggesting other countries should ensure the strait’s safety if the US ceases its military actions.

Starmer acknowledged that reopening the strait “will not be easy,” and emphasized the challenges faced by energy and shipping bosses who he met with on Monday. Their primary concern is not insurance costs, but the safety and security of passage through the waterway. He also stated that the clear-up operation will be lengthy even after fighting stops.

The UK Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, will chair the virtual meeting on Thursday. This marks the first time the 35 countries have convened to discuss a viable plan to reopen the strait, according to No. 10 Downing Street.

The move comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, with Iran threatening “devastating attacks” and Trump indicating potential further strikes. The situation is further complicated by Austria denying airspace access to the United States, as reported by various news outlets.

Starmer also indicated a desire for closer partnership with European allies and the European Union, announcing a new summit in the coming weeks to foster deeper economic cooperation and a shared strategy to navigate global risks. He believes reopening the Strait of Hormuz is crucial for supporting the cost of living in Britain.