UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that Iran, by closing the Strait of Hormuz, has effectively seized a key international shipping route and taken the global economy hostage. She made these remarks during a virtual meeting with representatives from more than 40 countries, convened to discuss the regional crisis.
“We have seen Iran seize an international shipping route to hold the world economy hostage in the Strait of Hormuz. They must not succeed,” Cooper emphasised.
According to her, the closure of the strait poses a “direct threat to global prosperity” and strikes economic security worldwide, driving up energy prices and causing supply disruptions. The Minister condemned Tehran’s actions as “reckless” and called for the immediate and unconditional reopening of the strait in accordance with the principles of freedom of navigation and international maritime law.
The meeting was held online under UK chairmanship, with participants including representatives from France, Germany, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, India and other countries from across continents, as well as key international organisations including the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Union. Participants discussed diplomatic and economic pressure measures on Iran, coordination with industry, insurers and energy markets, as well as ensuring the safety of stranded vessels and seafarers — with reports suggesting approximately 2,000 ships are currently blocked in the region.
Cooper noted that the coalition is considering “all possible diplomatic, economic and coordinated measures,” including potential additional sanctions, to restore freedom of navigation — with emphasis placed on diplomatic rather than military tools.
The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz — through which around 20% of the world’s oil supply passes — came in response to recent actions by the United States and Israel and has already led to a sharp rise in energy prices and threats to global supply chains.
The United Kingdom plans to hold a separate meeting of military planners next week to discuss long-term measures for ensuring shipping security. Meeting participants unanimously rejected any attempts by Iran to charge fees for passage through the strait. “Iran must understand we will not allow a single state to hold the entire global economy to ransom,” Cooper summarised the coalition’s position