LONDON: British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said that 40 countries are exploring coordinated measures to prevent Iran from controlling the global economy and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
According to a international media, an online meeting of foreign ministers, chaired by Cooper, was held to discuss these steps.
The virtual summit included participation from France, Germany, Canada, United Arab Emirates, and several other nations.
Cooper emphasized that Iran’s blockade of this vital waterway is threatening global economic security and that reopening the Strait is a shared priority.
“We have observed Iran effectively control an international maritime route, putting the global economy at risk,” Cooper said in remarks broadcast at the start of the meeting.
A senior official noted that the United States did not participate in the virtual discussions, though representatives from nearly 40 countries continued negotiations in a closed session.
The UK plans to host a meeting of military planners next week to discuss operational steps for reopening the Strait.
European diplomats described the emerging alliance as being in its early stages, co-led by the UK and France. Discussions are focused on identifying which nations are willing to participate in operational and security measures.
Guillaume Vernet said at a press conference that the process will be multi-phased. He noted that progress is contingent on a reduction of regional tensions and that a key objective will be restoring the confidence of shipowners and lowering insurance costs.
Vernet added that coordination with Iran will also be necessary to guarantee the security of commercial vessels, although prospects remain uncertain. The initiative will require a sufficient naval presence, air-sea coordination, and the capacity for intelligence sharing.
