On Thursday, Britain expressed concerns regarding Iran’s actions, stating that the country is holding the global economy hostage. This statement comes as diplomats from over 40 nations convene to discuss strategies for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. This critical maritime route has been obstructed due to the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Notably, the United States is not participating in the virtual meeting, which follows President Donald Trump‘s clear stance that securing this waterway is not the United States’ responsibility. Furthermore, Trump has criticised US European allies for their perceived lack of support in this matter and has reiterated his threats to reconsider US involvement in NATO.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasised that the discussions, which emphasise political and diplomatic solutions over military intervention, reflect “the strength of our international determination” to reopen the Strait of Hormuz effectively.
“We have seen Iran hijack an international shipping route to hold the global economy hostage,” she said at the start of the meeting. Cooper said “unsustainable” spikes in oil and food prices were “hitting households and businesses in every corner of the world.”
Iranian attacks on commercial ships have nearly stopped all traffic in the waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the world’s oceans, disrupting a crucial route for global oil and causing prices to spike. Since the conflict began on 28 February, there have been 23 attacks on vessels, resulting in 11 crew deaths, according to Lloyd’s List Intelligence. Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has significantly declined, with most remaining tankers evading sanctions while carrying Iranian oil.
Iran continues to vet vessels allowed to pass, and in a recent address, Trump stated that countries dependent on oil from the strait “must grab it and cherish it,” as the US will not intervene. No country seems willing to forcibly open the strait while fighting continues, given Iran’s capability to target ships with various weapons.
Military planners from multiple nations are set to meet to develop security strategies for the period after the conflict ends, including mine-clearing operations and ensuring safe passage for commercial shipping. Over three dozen countries, including the UK, France, and Japan, have joined a statement urging Iran to stop blocking the strait and pledging to ensure safe passage through this vital waterway.
A message to Trump
The concept of an international coalition resonates with the “coalition of the willing,” established primarily by the United Kingdom and France to bolster Ukraine’s security in the aftermath of a potential ceasefire in the ongoing conflict. This coalition demonstrates to the Trump administration that European countries are taking proactive steps to enhance their own security.
The call for more robust continental defences has, in part, been prompted by Trump’s recent remarks suggesting that the United States may reconsider its involvement in NATO, asserting that the alliance has “treated us very badly.” David B. Roberts, a scholar in Middle East Security Studies at King’s College London, emphasised that these international coalition-building efforts are closely related to the prevailing sentiment within the Trump administration concerning NATO, particularly the perception that other member states are not contributing adequately.
“Without a doubt, this is Britain and France, notably, trying to lead the way, to very visibly show a certain sort of utility” to the Trump administration.
“There’s also the very pragmatic reality that America is an oil exporter,” he added. “The immediate pressures about the fallout of the of the energy blockage in the Gulf, they fall on Europe and of course Asia, far more than America.”
This article used information from The Associated Press.
