Speaking in opening remarks broadcast before the closed-door session, Cooper accused Iran of “hijacking an international shipping route” and warned that such actions were effectively holding the global economy hostage. The meeting included representatives from major economies such as France, Germany, Italy, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates, reflecting widespread concern over the impact on global energy trade and maritime security.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage that carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, has seen a dramatic decline in shipping activity. Cooper said that only 25 vessels passed through the waterway in the previous 24 hours, compared with a typical daily volume of around 150 ships. The disruption has left approximately 20,000 seafarers stranded across nearly 2,000 vessels, intensifying pressure on global supply chains and contributing to rising oil prices.
Cooper emphasized the urgent need to restore freedom of navigation in the region, calling for coordinated international action. She said the discussions would focus on mobilizing diplomatic and economic tools to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels and protect maritime operations.
The UK also plans to convene military planners following the diplomatic talks to assess potential measures, including defensive coordination and de-mining efforts, aimed at securing the route once tensions ease. The proposed approach underscores a combination of military preparedness and diplomatic engagement to reopen the strait safely.
The crisis follows Iran’s move to effectively close the waterway in response to recent US-Israeli strikes, triggering a sharp spike in fuel prices and raising fears of a prolonged supply crunch. While some European nations initially resisted calls to deploy naval forces due to concerns about escalation, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, that reopening the strait would require a unified strategy combining military strength and sustained diplomatic efforts.
