UK signals cooperation with IMO to free stranded ships in Strait of Hormuz

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said future measures to address the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz could include working with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to ensure stranded ships can resume movement.

Speaking after a virtual meeting of more than 40 countries hosted by the United Kingdom on April 2, Cooper outlined potential diplomatic, economic and coordinated steps aimed at reopening the vital waterway, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

“We’re so determined to see every possible diplomatic, economic and coordinated measure to get the strait reopened,” she told reporters. “Iran’s reckless strikes are attacking international shipping, seeking to hijack the global economy. That’s affecting petrol prices and mortgage rates here in the UK, but also jet fuel across the world, fertilizer to Africa and also gas to Asia."

The UK said participating countries discussed increasing diplomatic pressure on Iran, including through the United Nations, as well as exploring coordinated measures such as sanctions and joint steps to support market confidence. The meeting facilitated discussion and coordination but produced no formal conclusions.

Cooper said longer-term efforts would also involve military planning to safeguard shipping routes once the conflict concludes.

“We’re clear that we need the diplomatic pressure, the economic pressure and also the work that’s being done separately by military planners on how to keep shipping safe for the long term, when the conflict concludes,” she added.

According to the IMO, nearly 2,000 vessels remain trapped inside the Persian Gulf, with around 20,000 seafarers, port workers and crew members affected across the wider region.

By Sabina Mammadli