UK to urge full reopening of Strait of Hormuz
UK to Urge Full Reopening of Strait of Hormuz
On Thursday, the foreign secretary will push for the complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after Iranian naval forces issued warnings to Gulf vessels, threatening attacks on those without prior authorization to pass through. The strategic waterway, essential for global trade, had been closed by Tehran, prompting international concern over disrupted energy flows and rising fuel costs.
Foreign Policy Priorities and Lebanon’s Role
In her annual address on UK foreign policy, Yvette Cooper will also highlight the need to involve Lebanon in the ceasefire agreement between the US and Israel. While the UK did not participate in attacks on Iran, officials aim to leverage diplomatic influence to ease the blockade. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer recently met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, emphasizing the importance of achieving a lasting peace in the region.
“The war has impacted every nation across the globe, elevating food and petrol prices in the UK,” Cooper will assert, stressing that the Strait’s closure affects citizens far beyond its shores. She will argue for unimpeded shipping, calling for toll-free passage after reports that vessels might be required to pay Iran for safe transit.
International Shipping and Legal Principles
Cooper will underscore that the Strait of Hormuz is a shared international route, vital for maritime trade. “No single nation can restrict this corridor—such action contradicts the core tenets of the law of the sea,” she will declare. The UK’s foreign secretary is set to visit the International Maritime Organization on Thursday, showing solidarity with efforts to assist ships stranded in the waterway.
Earlier this week, the UK led discussions with over 40 countries to resolve the Strait’s blockage. All participants agreed that ending the conflict was the first step toward restoring normalcy. Cooper noted that Iran had seized control of the route, using it to “secure the global economy,” following a summit where the US was absent. The US has criticized allies for insufficient action, prompting the UK to assess how to contribute to securing the passage without entering the broader war.
Iran’s attacks on merchant ships, in response to the conflict with the US and Israel, have raised global fuel prices. Before the ceasefire announcement on Wednesday, former President Donald Trump had called on other nations to “build delayed courage” to reopen the critical waterway.