UK to urge full reopening of Strait of Hormuz
UK to urge full reopening of Strait of Hormuz
The UK’s foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper, is set to advocate for the complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday following warnings from Iran’s navy that vessels without clearance risked being targeted. This move comes as the critical waterway remains blocked, disrupting global trade and raising concerns over energy supplies.
Lebanon’s role in ceasefire talks
In her annual address on foreign policy, Cooper will also push for Lebanon to be incorporated into the ceasefire agreement between the US and Israel. While the UK has not participated in attacks on Iran, ministers aim to leverage diplomatic influence to ease tensions and restore passage through the strait.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s recent visit to Gulf allies included a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where both leaders underscored the importance of a sustainable peace. Cooper will later highlight that the war has had a global ripple effect, contributing to increased food and fuel costs in the UK.
Toll-free shipping as a priority
Cooper will stress the need for the Strait of Hormuz to operate without tolls, after reports surfaced that ships might be required to pay Iran for safe transit. She will argue that the closure of this strategic route, described as a “critical artery of the global economy,” impacts British citizens despite its geographical distance.
“There is considerable work to do and we support the negotiations,” Cooper will say, emphasizing that the war must not resume. “No country can close these routes—it goes against the fundamental principles of the law of the sea.”
Her remarks will underscore the international nature of the waterway, which serves as a transit route for the High Seas. Cooper is also scheduled to meet officials at the International Maritime Organization to endorse their efforts in supporting ships and crews stranded in the area.
Global collaboration and Iran’s actions
Last week, the UK coordinated discussions with over 40 nations to resolve the blockage, with all parties agreeing that the war must conclude first. Cooper noted that Iran has effectively “hijacked” the shipping route, using it to “hold the global economy hostage” in the wake of a virtual summit excluding the US.
Iran has launched attacks on multiple vessels, exacerbating energy export disruptions and fueling a surge in global oil prices. Before the ceasefire announcement on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump suggested that other nations should take the initiative to reopen the strait, calling for them to “build up some delayed courage.”
Ministers acknowledge the US and Israel hold decisive authority over the conflict’s resolution but hope to encourage broader cooperation. The UK’s strategy balances supporting the ceasefire while avoiding direct involvement in the wider war, as the US has criticized allies for insufficient efforts to secure the vital waterway.
