United Kingdom convenes 35-nation meeting on Hormuz Strait navigation

On April 2, 2026, the United Kingdom hosted a virtual meeting of 35 nations, led by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, to discuss restoring free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that while the UK seeks diplomatic and political solutions to ensure the safety of vessels and seafarers, Britain will not participate in the conflict in Iran. The strait, which handles approximately one-fifth of global oil consumption, has faced significant disruptions following strikes that began on February 28. The initiative aims to support global energy security and stabilize rising costs. The United States is not expected to participate, as President Donald Trump previously stated that affected nations should resolve the issue themselves. Following the diplomatic session, military planners are scheduled to meet next week to discuss potential operational measures to secure the route once hostilities cease. The UK government maintains that addressing these logistics is a vital national interest, though it explicitly avoids military involvement in the broader regional war.