UK to host virtual summit to discuss Hormuz shipping disruption

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - More than 30 countries are set to meet at a UK-hosted virtual summit on Thursday to discuss plans to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz shipping lane.

According to British media reports, the talks will focus on diplomatic and political measures aimed at restoring freedom of navigation through the waterway, which is a key route for global energy supplies.

Leaders are also expected to address how to guarantee the safety of ships and seafarers currently unable to pass through the strait.

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is set to chair the meeting, with participants expected to include European nations such as France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands, alongside international partners including Australia, Japan, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand, the UAE and Nigeria, according to a report by The Guardian.

All are signatories to a joint statement issued last month committing to a “readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts” to ensure safe passage.

Several additional countries have joined the initiative since the statement was first agreed upon, according to reports.

The US is not expected to attend the summit, with organizers instead focusing on countries that signed the joint statement, along with other European allies and key maritime and regional players.

On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump said responsibility for reopening the strait should fall upon other nations if the US halts its strikes on Tehran. He criticized what he described as a lack of support from European allies.

The US and Israel have maintained an air offensive on Iran since Feb. 28, killing so far over 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.