Finance
UK to Host Talks With 35 Countries on Reopening Strait of Hormuz
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 2, 2026
3 min readLast updated: April 2, 2026
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Quick Summary
Britain will host a virtual meeting on April 2, 2026, chaired by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, with around 35 countries—including France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Japan and the UAE—to explore diplomatic and political ways to reopen the Iran‑blocked Strait of Hormuz. The United States will not part
UK to Host Coalition Talks With 35 Countries on Reopening Strait of Hormuz
By Andrew MacAskill and Muvija M
International Efforts to Restore Freedom of Navigation
LONDON, April 2 (Reuters) - Britain will host talks on Thursday aimed at forming a coalition of countries to explore ways to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after U.S. President Donald Trump said securing the vital waterway was a problem for other nations to resolve.
Details of the Upcoming Coalition Talks
British foreign minister Yvette Cooper will chair the virtual meeting of about 35 countries including France, Germany, Italy, Canada and the United Arab Emirates around midday in London to explore ways to restore freedom of navigation in the area. The United States is not due to attend.
The meeting takes place after Trump said in an address to his nation on Wednesday evening that the Strait could open "naturally" and it was the responsibility of countries that rely on the waterway to ensure it was open.
Focus on Mines and Tanker Protection
FOCUS ON MINES, PROTECTING TANKERS
Iran has effectively shut down the Strait, which carries about a fifth of the world's total oil consumption, in retaliation for U.S.-Israeli strikes which began in late February. Reopening the waterway has become a priority for governments around the world as energy prices soar.
Diplomatic and Political Measures
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Wednesday the meeting would assess "all viable diplomatic and political measures" to restore the freedom of navigation in the area after a ceasefire has been reached.
European countries initially refused Trump's demand to send their navies to the area because of fears about being dragged into the conflict.
Coalition Formation and Next Steps
But concerns about the impact of the rising cost of energy on the global economy have prompted them to try to form a coalition to explore ways to reopen the waterway once a ceasefire is agreed, according to European officials.
The talks on Thursday will be the first formal meeting of the group before more detailed discussions involving military planners over the coming weeks, the officials said.
Phased Approach to Reopening the Strait
One European official said it was expected that any first phase of any plan for reopening the Strait would be on ensuring the waterway was free of mines, followed by a second phase to protect tankers crossing the area.
Starmer said reopening the waterway would "not be easy" and would require "a united front of military strength and diplomatic activity" alongside working with the shipping industry.
International Reactions and Statements
Trump said on Wednesday that other countries that use the Strait of Hormuz should "build up some delayed courage" and "just grab it".
"Just take it, protect it, use it for yourselves," he said.
(Reporting by Andrew MacAskill; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
Key Takeaways
- •The meeting aims to coordinate a coalition to clear mines and protect tankers, once a ceasefire is in place, to restore freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz (apnews.com).
- •The meeting reflects growing concern about surging global energy prices after Iran’s effective shutdown of the strait, which carries roughly 20% of global oil supply (apnews.com).
- •U.S. President Donald Trump has urged other countries reliant on Hormuz to “build up some delayed courage” and secure the strait themselves, while also suggesting they should buy oil from the U.S. (apnews.com).
References
Frequently Asked Questions about UK to host talks with 35 countries on reopening Strait of Hormuz
1Why is the Strait of Hormuz currently closed?
The Strait of Hormuz is currently closed due to actions by Iran in retaliation for U.S.-Israeli strikes, disrupting a key oil transport route.
2Who is participating in the UK's coalition talks?
About 35 countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates, will attend the UK-hosted talks. The United States is not expected to attend.
3What is the main focus of the coalition talks?
The talks aim to explore diplomatic and political measures to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restore freedom of navigation after a ceasefire.
4How does the closure of the Strait affect global markets?
The closure has caused a surge in energy prices as the strait is a critical route for about a fifth of the world's oil consumption.
5What steps are expected for reopening the Strait of Hormuz?
The plan's first phase is to clear mines from the waterway, followed by ensuring protection for tankers crossing the area.