UK to urge full reopening of Strait of Hormuz
UK Pushes for Hormuz Reopening Amid Global Concerns
Following reports that Iranian forces have threatened to intercept vessels without prior clearance, the UK’s foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper, is set to call for the complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. This move comes as global tensions rise over the closure of the vital waterway, which has disrupted energy flows and driven up fuel prices worldwide.
In her annual address on foreign policy, Cooper will highlight the need for international collaboration to restore free passage through the strait. She will also push for Lebanon’s inclusion in the US and Israel’s ceasefire deal with Iran, emphasizing the UK’s diplomatic efforts to ease the crisis even without direct military involvement.
Diplomatic Outreach in the Gulf
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s recent visit to Gulf allies included a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who endorsed the importance of lasting peace in the region. Cooper will later stress that the ongoing conflict has ripple effects beyond the Middle East, impacting food and petrol costs in the UK.
“The war has affected every corner of the globe, increasing prices for British citizens despite being thousands of miles away,” Cooper is expected to state.
The foreign secretary will argue that the Strait of Hormuz must be reopened without restrictions, citing concerns that Iran’s demands for toll payments could undermine global trade. She will also visit the International Maritime Organization to bolster support for initiatives aimed at freeing ships trapped in the waterway.
Cooper will reaffirm that the strait’s unimpeded access is essential for economic stability, calling it a “critical artery of the global economy.” She will assert that no nation has the right to block such routes, as it violates the principles of maritime law.
Previously, the UK chaired discussions with over 40 countries to address the blockade, with all parties agreeing that resolving the conflict was the first step. Cooper noted that Iran had used the strait to “hijack” trade and “hold the global economy hostage,” though the US was absent from the virtual summit that sparked this.
US Accusations and Regional Dynamics
Despite the UK’s diplomatic stance, the US has criticized allies for not sufficiently securing the strait or backing its military campaign. Cooper will address this by underscoring the UK’s commitment to balancing support for the region without entangling itself in the broader conflict.
Iran’s attacks on commercial vessels have exacerbated the crisis, disrupting energy exports and pushing global fuel prices to record highs. Before the ceasefire announcement, US President Donald Trump urged other nations to “build up some delayed courage” and take action to reopen the passage.