More than 40 countries have formed a coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz
This is stated in a statement from the British government.
Cooper emphasised that “Iran’s reckless attacks” are targeting international shipping and affecting prices for petrol, gas and oil, as well as, in particular, “mortgage rates” in the UK. That is why, at a meeting organised by the UK, countries discussed stepping up international diplomatic pressure and sanctions against Iran, particularly through the UN, as well as measures to support market stability.
“We are determined to take all possible diplomatic, economic and coordinated measures to restore shipping through the strait,” Cooper told reporters.
In addition, the countries plan to explore cooperation with the International Maritime Organisation to free ships and their crews stranded due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
“We clearly understand that we need diplomatic pressure, economic pressure, as well as the work being carried out separately by military planners on how to guarantee the safety of shipping in the long term once the conflict ends,” added the UK Foreign Secretary.
Meanwhile, the head of European diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, called on the EU to “expand” its presence in the Red Sea following the meeting of the states, as the world “cannot afford to lose another critical trade route”. According to Kallas, the EU also supports UN efforts to open humanitarian corridors in the region for food supplies.
