UK to urge full reopening of Strait of Hormuz
UK Pushes for Full Reopening of Hormuz Strait
Yvette Cooper, the UK’s foreign secretary, is set to demand the complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. This comes after Iranian naval forces warned vessels in the Gulf that those without prior authorization could face attacks. Cooper will also highlight the need to incorporate Lebanon into the ceasefire agreement between the US and Israel. Although the UK did not take part in direct attacks on Iran, its ministers are eager to leverage diplomatic influence to restore the crucial shipping channel, which Tehran has closed.
Global Impact of the Conflict
During her annual address on foreign policy, Cooper will stress that the war has impacted “every country on every continent.” She will mention how rising food and petrol costs in the UK are linked to the disruption of international trade routes. The foreign secretary will argue that the strait must be free of tolls and obstructions, as reports suggest ships might be required to pay Iran for safe passage. “No nation can block this vital artery of the global economy,” she will assert, emphasizing that such actions violate the principles of maritime law.
“There is considerable work to do and we support the negotiations,” Cooper will say. “There must be no return to conflict.”
Cooper will visit the International Maritime Organization on Thursday, showing solidarity with its efforts to assist ships stuck in the waterway. She will reiterate that the strait’s full and unconditional reopening must be a priority in both the current ceasefire and the region’s long-term stability. Last week, the UK led discussions with over 40 countries to address the blockage, with all parties agreeing that ending the war was essential.
Iran has launched attacks on multiple vessels in response to the conflict with the US and Israel, disrupting energy exports and driving up global fuel prices. Before the ceasefire announcement on Wednesday, former US President Donald Trump stated that it was up to other nations to “build up some delayed courage” and restore the route. The US has criticized allies for insufficient efforts to secure the strait, prompting the UK and others to consider how to support the waterway without entangling themselves in the broader war.
