The primary aim of the UK‑hosted meeting was to bring together countries affected by the closure to discuss diplomatic and political avenues. Photo credit: Alexandros Michailidis/Shutterstock
The United Kingdom has convened a virtual meeting with representatives from 35 countries to explore ways of reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route that has been effectively closed due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Spanish officials are not listed among the participating countries, with Madrid stating its position focuses on de‑escalation and dialogue rather than involvement in efforts linked to the war.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the diplomatic conference in London this week, emphasising the need for a coordinated international response to restore freedom of navigation once hostilities subside. The UK foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper, chaired the discussions, which were held as a virtual summit with nations that had previously signed a joint statement condemning the partial closure of the strait.
Blockage of Hormuz and international concern
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, with approximately 20 % of global oil transport passing through the narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. Recent hostilities in the region, linked to the war between the United States, Israel and Iran, have effectively shut down or severely restricted commercial navigation, prompting concern among energy producers and consuming nations.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and allied forces have taken control of access to the strait, responding to military actions by the United States and Israel. In response, many commercial vessels have been unable to transit the waterway, causing delays, disruptions to supply chains and upward pressure on global fuel and commodity prices.
Goals of the UK‑led talks
The primary aim of the UK‑hosted meeting was to bring together countries affected by the closure to discuss diplomatic and political avenues for reopening the strait once a ceasefire is achieved. British officials have described the effort as a way to coordinate international approaches that do not involve direct military confrontation while ensuring maritime safety.
Participants in the meeting included governments from Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia who previously signed a joint condemnation of actions that have restricted access to the waterway. These countries, according to official EFE reporting, included France, Germany, Chile and the United Arab Emirates.
Spain’s absence and its foreign policy stance
Spain is not listed among the 35 countries participating in the talks. According to official diplomatic sources, the UK Foreign Office declined to clarify whether Spain was not invited or had chosen not to participate.
In response, officials from the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Madrid’s foreign policy remains centred on avoiding actions that contribute directly to the war. The Spanish government has consistently emphasised the need for dialogue, de‑escalation and respect for international law rather than participation in initiatives tied to ongoing hostilities.
Broader geopolitical impact
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point for international concern because of its outsized impact on global energy markets. With the route blocked, countries that depend on imports of oil, gas and other commodities are faced with supply disruptions and rising costs. Attempts to reopen the strait carry economic as well as security implications.
Some nations participating in the talks are considering the role of military planners in future phases of the initiative, particularly in ensuring the removal of mines and protection of commercial tankers once negotiations or a ceasefire allow for safe passage. However, participants emphasised that such planning is being discussed separately from immediate diplomatic efforts and is contingent on changes in the security situation.
International reactions and next steps
The meeting highlighted divisions among major powers about how to respond to the Iranian restrictions. The United States was notably absent from the UK‑hosted talks, following comments by US President Donald Trump that securing the strait should be the responsibility of other nations. Some allies have urged greater involvement by Washington, while others have focused on building multilateral diplomatic responses.
France and other European countries have voiced support for collective approaches that prioritise free navigation and stability in the region. French officials, for example, have held parallel discussions with allied defence chiefs on post‑conflict plans to secure maritime traffic, though Paris has also clarified that it will not engage in direct military operations without broader consensus.
For now, the coalition of countries that convened under the UK’s chairmanship plans to continue discussing diplomatic strategies and coordinate with international partners on long‑term measures to restore access to the Strait of Hormuz. Future meetings are expected as part of ongoing efforts to build consensus and develop actionable plans once the conflict conditions allow.
