UK to urge full reopening of Strait of Hormuz

UK to Urge Full Reopening of Strait of Hormuz

On Thursday, the UK’s foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper, will push for the Strait of Hormuz to be fully reopened after the Iranian navy issued warnings to Gulf ships, threatening attack for those without prior clearance. The situation has prompted international concern, with the strait’s closure disrupting global trade and raising tensions over maritime security.

During her annual address on foreign policy, Cooper will also call for Lebanon to be integrated into the US and Israel’s ceasefire agreement with Iran. Though the UK did not take part in the attacks on Iran, ministers aim to leverage diplomatic influence to ensure the vital shipping route is restored. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, during his recent visit to Gulf allies, met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, agreeing that a lasting peace is essential.

Cooper will emphasize the global impact of the conflict, stating that it has “affected every country on every continent,” contributing to rising food and petrol costs in the UK. She will argue that the strait should be open without tolls, following reports that vessels might be required to pay Iran for safe passage. “The deliberate blockade of this economic lifeline is harming British citizens, even from over 3,000 miles away,” she will assert.

“No country can unilaterally close these routes—it goes against the fundamental principles of the law of the sea,” Cooper will add, underscoring the international nature of the waterway. She will also visit the International Maritime Organization to show solidarity with its initiatives supporting ships trapped in the strait.

Last week, the UK led a meeting with more than 40 nations to address the blockage of the Strait, with all participants acknowledging that ending the conflict was the first step toward resolution. Cooper noted that Iran had “hijacked” the shipping route, using it to “hold the global economy hostage” after a virtual summit that excluded the US. The US, however, has accused allies of insufficient efforts to secure the passage, leaving the UK and others to balance support for the critical waterway with involvement in the broader war.

Iran’s attacks on several vessels have further complicated energy exports and driven up international fuel prices. Before the ceasefire announcement on Wednesday, former US President Donald Trump remarked that it was “up to other nations to build up some delayed courage” to reopen the route.