On Thursday, 2 April ’26, nearly 40 countries discussed joint action to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Britain also stated that the goal was to stop Iran from holding ‘the global economy hostage.’ This was after U.S. President Donald Trump said that ‘securing the waterway was for others to resolve’.
British foreign minister Yvette Cooper called Iran ‘reckless’. Iran’s blocking the waterway was ‘hitting households & businesses in every corner of the world’. The information was shared when Cooper chaired the virtual meeting that included France, Germany, Canada, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) & India.
Cooper added that they have witnessed Iran hijack an international shipping route. Iran’s now holding the global economy hostage. The media broadcast these sentiments in the opening remarks. It was shared before the rest of the meeting took place behind closed doors.
This discussion occurred after Trump made a statement on Wednesday, 1 April, evening. Trump said the Strait would open “naturally” and that countries that rely on it should keep it open.
European officials said in Thursday’s initial meeting, which was focused on countries that were prepared to participate in the proposed coalition, besides the diplomatic & economic options available in persuading Iran to open the Strait.
The meeting ended without any specific agreements. There was a consensus in the forum that Iran should not be able to introduce transit fees on ships using the waterway. One of the officials believed that all nations should be able to use the Strait freely.
The next stage of talks is likely to be next week when military planners meet. That would be to discuss options, including potential mine-clearing tasks & providing a reassuring force for commercial shipping.
Focus on diplomatic & military options
Iran has effectively shut down the key waterway. This waterway carries about 20% of the world’s total oil consumption. The action was in retaliation for the U.S.–Israeli strikes. These strikes commenced in late February ’26. Reopening the waterway has become a top priority for governments around the globe as energy prices soar.
