More than 40 countries gathered for a virtual meeting on the Strait of Hormuz crisis, hosted by the United Kingdom, where officials from every continent discussed possible actions to increase pressure on Iran.
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“We are determined to see every possible diplomatic and economic coordinated effort to reopen the strait,” British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper told reporters after the meeting, CNN reported. “Iran’s reckless attacks are targeting international shipping in an attempt to take over the global economy. This is affecting petrol prices and mortgage rates here in the UK, as well as jet fuel around the world, fertiliser for Africa and gas for Asia.”
The UK said the countries discussed the possibility of increasing international diplomatic pressure, including through the UN, joint arrangements to maintain market confidence and exploring possible coordinated measures such as sanctions on Iran.
Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Kaia Kallas called on Brussels to “increase” its existing naval forces in the Red Sea as it “cannot afford to lose another critically important trade route.”
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She added that the EU supports UN efforts for “humanitarian corridors in the strait for the export of food and fertilizers.”
The UK Foreign Secretary also said that future measures could include working with the International Maritime Organization to ensure the movement of stranded ships.
“We are clear that we need diplomatic pressure, economic pressure, and the work that military planners are doing separately on how to ensure the security of shipping in the long term, once the conflict is over,” Cooper added.
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Recall that almost 2,000 ships remain trapped in the Persian Gulf.
Meanwhile, Tehran has made recognition of Iran's sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz a condition for unblocking shipping in the region.