Hormuz Strait: Bahrain Calls for Opening, UK to Convene International Meeting – India to Participate

London – Britain is leading an international effort to address the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, convening over 40 countries in a virtual summit on Thursday, April 2nd, 2026. The move comes as Iran continues to disrupt shipping through the vital waterway, prompting concerns about global energy supplies and trade. The United States was notably excluded from the direct talks.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the initiative, stating the meeting aimed to “assess all viable diplomatic and political measures” to restore freedom of navigation, ensure the safety of vessels and crews, and resume the flow of essential commodities. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper hosted the summit, bringing together representatives from 35 countries, excluding the US, as well as key international organizations like the International Maritime Organisation and the European Union.

Iran’s Disruption and International Response

Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz have raised alarm globally, with accusations that Tehran is attempting to “hold the global economy hostage,” according to a statement released by the UK government. The Strait is a critical chokepoint for global oil and gas supplies, handling approximately 20% of the world’s traded crude oil and a similar proportion of natural gas. Disruption to shipping through the strait has immediate and far-reaching consequences for global supplies, prices, and economic stability, with potential humanitarian impacts.

The UK-led coalition seeks a peaceful resolution to the crisis, emphasizing the importance of upholding freedom of navigation and international law. The talks focused on exploring diplomatic and political options to reopen the strait, with British military planners preparing to assess how to ensure safe passage once hostilities cease. However, Starmer cautioned that the process of clearing the waterway and restoring normal operations would be a lengthy one.

US Exclusion and International Participation

The decision to exclude the United States from the direct talks has drawn attention. While the reasoning behind this exclusion wasn’t explicitly stated, it appears to be a deliberate effort to foster a broader international consensus. Donald Trump previously stated that the responsibility for securing the strait would fall to other nations if the US ceased its strikes on Tehran, criticizing the lack of support for his actions from European countries.

Despite the US not being directly involved in the talks, the coalition includes over 40 countries from across the globe. Notably, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain are the only Middle Eastern nations participating in the British-led initiative. This highlights a regional division in approaches to addressing the crisis.

Focus on Safety and Reopening the Strait

A key concern raised during the discussions was the safety and security of ships and seafarers. Energy and shipping bosses who met with Prime Minister Starmer on Monday emphasized that safety concerns, rather than insurance issues, were the primary challenge to resuming operations. The international community is united in its determination to secure freedom of navigation and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a sentiment clearly expressed in the chair’s statement following the meeting.

The UK government has stressed the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz poses a direct threat to global prosperity. The coalition’s immediate call is for the immediate and unconditional reopening of the strait and respect for the fundamental principles of freedom of navigation and the law of the sea.