FT: UK to lead international talks on securing Strait of Hormuz

Britain will host a military planning meeting on April 7 with more than 40 countries to discuss securing safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz once the Middle East war ends. The virtual conference, organised from the Northwood military planning base near London, follows an earlier online meeting led by UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.

Participants include France, Germany, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates. The coalition, described by officials as the “coalition of the willing,” will explore “appropriate measures” for an international effort that will not include the United States, the Financial Times informs.

The strait, through which around 20% of the world’s oil and gas previously flowed, has effectively been closed by Iran after US and Israeli strikes on the Islamic republic in late February. The disruption has triggered a surge in global energy prices and raised fears of an economic crisis.

US President Donald Trump has warned NATO members and other allies that they will have to secure the strait once fighting ends, saying it will not be Washington’s responsibility. Last week, he told countries like the UK to “go get their own oil” amid potential energy shortages.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stressed that any operation would only start “after the fighting has stopped” and warned of challenges.

“I don’t think you can necessarily assume that a de-escalation of the conflict would necessarily at the same time bring the safe reopening of the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.

Starmer added that the main concern for shipping was “safety and security of passage,” not insurance availability.

The Middle East conflict has also driven UK household energy costs higher, with motorists experiencing record monthly increases in petrol and diesel prices in March, according to RAC figures.

Officials noted that coalition building is complicated by the uneven military contributions of participating countries, with some offering minesweepers but no frigates. The proposed mission would operate independently of NATO.

Trump has also threatened to withdraw US military support from Ukraine if NATO allies fail to help secure the strait.

By Sabina Mammadli