The United Kingdom will host a multi-nation meeting on the Strait of Hormuz crisis, as disruptions to one of the world’s most critical energy shipping routes continue to impact global oil and gas supply.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said around 35 countries will take part in the talks this week, aimed at restoring freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway, which has been severely affected by ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The meeting, to be led by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, will focus on diplomatic and political measures to reopen the strait, ensure the safety of vessels and crews, and resume the movement of vital energy supplies.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key global chokepoint, with roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passing through it under normal conditions. Disruptions since late February, following US and Israeli strikes, have driven up global energy prices and intensified supply concerns.
Starmer said participating countries would explore coordinated efforts to stabilise the situation, including potential post-conflict planning involving military logistics to secure safe passage.
Countries including Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the Netherlands are expected to take part, having already signalled readiness to support measures ensuring maritime security in the region.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the complexity of reopening the route, warning that restoring normal operations would be challenging amid ongoing hostilities.
The crisis has underscored the vulnerability of global energy supply chains to geopolitical tensions, particularly in critical transit routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
The developments come amid wider international debate over security responsibilities. United States President Donald Trump has criticised NATO and suggested that countries facing fuel shortages should take independent action to secure energy supplies, indicating limited US involvement in reopening the route.
Starmer reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to NATO, describing it as a key pillar of global security while emphasising the importance of a coordinated international response to safeguard energy flows and maritime trade.
Energy analysts say the outcome of the upcoming talks could play a decisive role in stabilising global energy markets, as prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz would continue to affect oil prices, shipping routes and supply security worldwide.
