Leaders from nearly three dozen countries are meeting Thursday to try to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after Iran blocked one of the world’s most critical oil routes.
Thirty-five countries are taking part, including the U.K., which is hosting the talks, along with France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Japan and the United Arab Emirates.
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The goal
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer says military planners are working on options to protect shipping once the fighting ends.
He said the virtual meeting “will assess all viable diplomatic and political measures we can take to restore freedom of navigation, guarantee the safety of trapped ships and seafarers and to resume the movement of vital commodities.”
The U.S. is not attending. Trump says securing the waterway is not America’s responsibility, telling allies to “go get your own oil.”
So far, no country has stepped forward to reopen the Strait by force.
Starmer noted Thursday’s meeting is the first step in a process he says “will not be easy.” He said reopening the Strait will require “a united front of military strength and diplomatic activity.”
Iran restricts passage, oil prices jump
Iran has restricted passage through the Strait since fighting began on February 28 by attacking commercial ships and threatening others. The threats have disrupted the key shipping lane that carries a major share of the world’s oil.
Thirty-five countries have signed a statement demanding Iran stop attempting to block the strait, and pledged to “contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage” through the waterway.
Oil prices have jumped more than 6%, and Asian markets slid after Trump said the U.S. will continue to hit Iran hard.
Prices have stayed above $100 a barrel for much of the past month.
