Arabic version: وزير الخارجية البريطاني يدعو لإعادة فتح مضيق هرمز
The UK is set to urge the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, following warnings from the Iranian navy to vessels in the Gulf that those lacking permission to pass could face attacks. In her upcoming speech on UK foreign policy priorities, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will emphasize that there should be no tolls on this critical international waterway, as uncertainty looms over potential payments to Iran for safe passage. According to BBC News, Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the opposition, is currently in Abu Dhabi, where he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss the need for lasting peace in the region.
Cooper’s speech is expected to highlight the broader implications of the conflict, stating that it has impacted “every country on every continent” by driving up food and fuel prices in the UK. She will call for shipping in the Strait of Hormuz to be toll-free and unrestricted, arguing that the deliberate blocking of this vital artery is detrimental to the global economy. “No country can close these routes – it goes against the fundamental principles of the law of the sea,” Cooper will assert.
In addition to advocating for the Strait’s reopening, Cooper will also push for Lebanon’s inclusion in the ceasefire agreement between the US and Israel. She acknowledges that significant work remains to be done, reiterating the necessity of avoiding a return to conflict. The foreign secretary plans to visit the International Maritime Organization to support efforts aimed at assisting vessels and seafarers currently trapped in the waterway.
Last week, the UK chaired discussions with over 40 countries focused on unblocking the Strait of Hormuz, with all participants agreeing that an end to the war is a prerequisite for progress. Cooper has accused Iran of effectively “hijacking” the international shipping route, leveraging it to threaten the global economy. This comes as the US has expressed frustration with allies for not doing enough to secure the shipping route, prompting the UK and others to consider how to safeguard this critical passage without escalating involvement in the ongoing conflict.
