LONDON, April 2 (Reuters) - Britain is set to hold talks on Thursday to create a coalition of countries focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. This comes after U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the responsibil...
LONDON, April 2 (Reuters) - Britain is set to hold talks on Thursday to create a coalition of countries focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. This comes after U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the responsibility of securing this critical waterway falls to other nations.
British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper will lead a virtual meeting with around 35 countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates, at midday in London. The aim is to discuss restoring freedom of navigation in the region, although the United States will not participate.
The meeting is a response to Trump's statement on Wednesday evening, where he suggested that the Strait could open “naturally” and emphasized that countries relying on the route should ensure its accessibility.
Iran has largely closed the Strait, a route for about 20% of the world's oil, in retaliation for U.S.-Israeli military actions that began in late February. Reopening the waterway has become imperative for nations globally as energy prices continue to rise.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer noted on Wednesday that the meeting would explore "all viable diplomatic and political measures" to restore freedom of navigation once a ceasefire is reached.
Initially, European nations hesitated to meet Trump's request to send naval forces to the Strait, fearing escalation into conflict. However, rising energy costs and their impact on the global economy have encouraged them to form a coalition to consider reopening the waterway after a ceasefire is established, according to European officials.
This Thursday's talks will serve as the first formal meeting of this coalition, with more detailed discussions involving military planners planned for the coming weeks, according to the officials.
An official from Europe mentioned that the initial phase of any plan to reopen the Strait would focus on clearing mines, followed by a second phase aimed at protecting tankers in the area.
Starmer acknowledged that reopening the waterway would be "not easy," requiring “a united front of military strength and diplomatic activity,” along with collaboration with the shipping industry.
Trump also remarked on Wednesday that countries using the Strait of Hormuz should "build up some delayed courage" and "just grab it." He urged them to "take it, protect it, and use it for themselves."