Britain will hold a virtual meeting Thursday with approximately 35 countries to discuss reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has virtually closed since US-Israeli strikes began the current Middle East war on February 28th.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the meeting Wednesday, stating UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will host the discussions. The gathering will assess diplomatic and political measures to restore freedom of navigation and resume movement of vital commodities.
The strait handles one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas during peacetime. Iran's closure has caused worldwide oil and gas prices to surge dramatically.
Countries signing a recent joint statement include Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the Netherlands. Starmer warned reopening the strait "will not be easy," as global energy markets remain volatile amid the shipping disruption.
The Prime Minister also defended NATO following renewed criticism from US President Donald Trump, calling it "the single most effective military alliance the world has ever seen." Trump previously stated NATO was a "paper tiger" and suggested reconsidering US membership.