Britain Leads Global Effort to Open the Strait of Hormuz

London hosts a virtual summit where about thirty‑five nations, including France, Germany, Italy, Canada and the United Arab Emirates, gather to plan how to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The meeting is chaired by British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper and aims to create a coalition that will examine diplomatic and military options for restoring free navigation through the waterway. The United States will not participate, following President Trump’s statement that the problem is for other countries to solve. The Strait carries roughly a fifth of global oil traffic, and its closure has pushed energy prices higher worldwide. Iran shut the passage in response to U. S. -Israeli attacks that began in late February, and reopening it has become a top priority for governments eager to stabilize markets. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the summit will evaluate all possible diplomatic and political strategies after a ceasefire is reached.European states initially declined Trump’s call for naval deployment, fearing entanglement in conflict. However, the economic strain of soaring fuel costs has shifted their stance toward forming a coalition that will investigate ways to reopen the strait once hostilities subside. The Thursday meeting is a first formal step, with more detailed talks involving military planners expected in the weeks that follow. One European official outlined a two‑phase plan: first, clear the waterway of mines; second, protect tankers as they transit. Starmer warned that reopening will not be simple and will require coordinated military strength, diplomatic pressure, and cooperation with the shipping industry. Trump urged countries that rely on the strait to “build up some delayed courage” and take control of the passage for their own benefit. His remarks have added a contentious tone to an already complex geopolitical issue.