United Kingdom to Lead International Summit of Thirty Five Nations Focused on Reopening the Strait of Hormuz

PM Keir Starmer announces an international meeting to restore navigation in the Strait of Hormuz as Japan and France coordinate on ending the Iran war.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 1, 2026, 9:34 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Times of Israel

A Diplomatic Offensive to Restore Global Energy Flows

The British government is moving to the forefront of an international effort to break the maritime deadlock in the Middle East. During a press conference at Downing Street, Prime Minister Keir Starmer revealed that the United Kingdom will convene approximately 35 nations to address the crippling closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Since the start of the Iran war on February 28, the passage has been virtually impassable, halting nearly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. This summit represents the first major coordinated attempt to resolve a crisis that has sent global energy prices to historic highs.

The Framework for Political and Maritime Restoration

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has been tasked with chairing the discussions, which will prioritize the safety of seafarers and the recovery of vessels currently trapped within the conflict zone. Starmer noted that the primary objective is to assess every viable political measure to guarantee freedom of navigation. While the Prime Minister did not specify the exact date of the talks, he emphasized that the gathering would include key allies such as France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the Netherlands. These nations have already signaled their willingness to contribute to a unified effort to stabilize the vital waterway.

Transitioning from Diplomacy to Military Planning

While the initial focus of the London summit is diplomatic, the Prime Minister made it clear that a secondary phase will involve direct military coordination. Following the ministerial talks, military planners will be convened to determine how to marshal international naval capabilities. The goal is to ensure the strait is accessible and safe immediately after active fighting ceases. This two-track approach suggests that the UK and its partners are preparing for a long-term stabilization mission that extends beyond the immediate cessation of hostilities between regional powers.