In April 2026, the United Kingdom initiated an international meeting dedicated to the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, attended by over 40 nations and leading international organizations, including the International Maritime Organization and the European Union.
This is reported by Kyiv24
The International Community Unites Efforts to Unblock the Strait
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized that this meeting sent a clear signal of the global community’s readiness to ensure freedom of maritime transport and restore the full functioning of the Strait of Hormuz. In her statement, she highlighted that Iran is attempting to influence the global economy through the blockade of the strait.
“Iran is trying to hold the global economy hostage in the Strait of Hormuz. They must not succeed. To this end, partners today called for the immediate and unconditional restoration of the strait’s functioning and adherence to the fundamental principles of freedom of navigation and maritime law.”
According to Cooper, the participants in the negotiations considered a range of collective and coordinated actions. Among them were increasing diplomatic pressure through the UN to urge Iran to lift the blockade and eliminate tariffs for vessels passing through the strait. Additionally, the implementation of coordinated economic and political measures, including sanctions, was discussed if the blockade continues. There was also a strong emphasis on cooperation with the International Maritime Organization to free thousands of ships and sailors who have become trapped in the region.
Escalation of Conflict and Consequences for the Global Economy
The military operation initiated by the United States and Israel in late February resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and several other high-ranking officials. In response, Iran launched massive missile and drone strikes not only against Israel and American military facilities in the region but also against several neighboring countries considered allies of the United States.
Shortly after the hostilities began, Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz—one of the key routes for global oil and liquefied gas exports, through which up to 20 million barrels of oil passed daily. This decision led to a sharp increase in energy prices. Additional tension was created by the Iranian parliament’s initiative to impose tariffs on transit through the strait.