UK to host multi-nation meeting on Hormuz shipping

On Thursday, April 2, the UK will host a virtual meeting with around 35 countries to talk about reopening the important Strait of Hormuz, which has been affected by the ongoing war in the Middle East. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced this meeting on Wednesday, and a UK official confirmed it would take place online. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will lead the discussions, as Starmer shared with reporters at a news conference in Downing Street. The gathering aims to evaluate all possible diplomatic and political options to restore safe navigation, protect stranded ships and sailors, and restart the flow of essential goods. Additionally, Starmer mentioned that military planners will be called together after the meeting to strategize on how to ensure the strait is accessible and secure once the fighting ends. The discussions will include nations that have recently agreed to a statement expressing their readiness to help ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Among these countries are Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the Netherlands. Since the US and Israeli attacks that began the conflict on February 28, Iran has effectively blocked this crucial waterway, leading to a spike in global oil and gas prices.