Tehran (Rajeev Sharma): A group of nearly 35 countries is coming together for high-level discussions to tackle the ongoing disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping activity has been severely impacted amid escalating tensions involving Iran.
The initiative, led by the United Kingdom, aims to build diplomatic pressure to restore navigation through the key maritime corridor, which is essential for global energy supplies. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the meeting would explore practical steps to ensure safe passage for vessels and resume the transport of critical goods.
The talks, to be chaired by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, come as attacks and threats targeting commercial ships have brought traffic in the region almost to a halt. The disruption has triggered a surge in oil prices and raised concerns about supply chains worldwide.
Countries including France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Japan and the United Arab Emirates have backed a joint call urging Iran to refrain from actions that threaten maritime security and to allow the resumption of normal shipping.
The United States, however, is not expected to participate in the discussions. President Donald Trump has maintained that reopening the waterway is not an immediate responsibility for Washington, instead encouraging allied nations to take the lead.
Despite growing urgency, no country has signalled willingness to deploy force to clear the route while hostilities continue. Experts warn that any such move could escalate the conflict further, given Iran’s capacity to target ships using missiles, drones and naval assets.
Officials say planning for long-term maritime security will likely follow once tensions ease. For now, the focus remains on coordinated diplomatic efforts to stabilise the situation and restore one of the world’s most critical trade arteries.
