By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

Britain will host a virtual meeting this Thursday with approximately 35 nations to address the critical closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the summit is designed to find a resolution to the shipping crisis sparked by the ongoing Middle East conflict.

The primary objective of the gathering is to “assess all viable diplomatic and political measures that we can take to restore freedom of navigation, guarantee the safety of trapped ships and seafarers and resume the movement of vital commodities.”

Beyond diplomatic talks, the UK plans to transition into operational strategy. Starmer noted that, “Following that meeting, we will also convene our military planners to look at how we can marshal our capabilities and make the strait accessible and safe after the fighting has stopped.”

The meeting involves a coalition including France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the Netherlands. These countries previously signaled they are ready “to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz” to protect global trade.

The urgency stems from Iran effectively closing the waterway following US-Israeli strikes in late February. This strait is a global lifeline, as one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passes through it during peacetime.

Despite the international effort, the Prime Minister warned that the path to reopening would be fraught with difficulty. Acknowledging the complexity of the geopolitical situation, Starmer stated, “I do have to level with people on this. This (reopening) will not be easy.”

Starmer also used the announcement to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to NATO. He described the alliance as “the single most effective military alliance the world has ever seen,” emphasizing that it remains the cornerstone of British national security.