Which Countries Are Coming Together for Efforts To Reopen Strait of Hormuz? List Here

A coalition of approximately 40 nations, led by the United Kingdom, convened virtually on Thursday to coordinate a response to Iran’s ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, chairing the summit, accused Tehran of holding the "global economy hostage" by effectively shutting down a waterway that handles one-fifth of the world’s oil consumption. The high-level talks, which included representatives from France, Germany, India, and the United Arab Emirates, focused on diplomatic and military contingencies to restore maritime access following weeks of soaring global energy prices.

The discussions come amid a notable absence of United States involvement, following President Donald Trump’s assertion on Wednesday that securing the waterway is the responsibility of the nations that rely upon it. As the conflict between Iran, Israel, and the U.S. continues, the international community is seeking a path to ensure the safe transit of commercial vessels without being drawn deeper into the regional war. Britain has announced it will host a follow-up meeting of military planners next week to assess the technical requirements for reopening the route once a ceasefire or viable security framework is established. Iran’s Military Refutes Donald Trump, Says War Will Continue Till US Faces ‘Permanent Humiliation’.

List of Countries Who Are Joining Efforts To Reopen Strait of Hormuz

• United Kingdom (Host/Chair)
• France (Co-lead)
• Germany
• Italy
• Netherlands
• Canada
• Australia
• New Zealand
• India (Represented by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri)
• Japan
• South Korea
• United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Bahrain
• Nigeria
• Somalia

The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz began in late February as a retaliatory measure by Iran against U.S. and Israeli military strikes. Since then, the redirection of shipping and the targeting of multiple vessels have caused a sharp spike in global fuel costs and sparked fears of a long-term energy crisis.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasised that Iran’s "recklessness" is a direct hit to global economic security. "We have seen Iran hijack an international shipping route," Cooper stated during the broadcasted portion of the meeting, "and the world must now act to ensure this vital artery is no longer used as a tool of geopolitical leverage." Iran Bridge Collapse: US-Israeli Strike Hits B1 Bridge, Killing Two and Injuring Several (Watch Video).

The absence of the United States from these talks marks a significant shift in maritime security dynamics. President Trump suggested that the Strait could open "naturally" and encouraged allies to "build up some delayed courage" to secure the passage themselves.

This stance has left European and Middle Eastern allies to weigh their own military capabilities against the risk of escalation. While the U.S. has criticised its partners for not doing enough to support its military efforts, the UK-led coalition is prioritising a multilateral approach that balances diplomatic pressure with necessary defensive planning.

India, a major consumer of energy passing through the Strait, has taken a prominent role in the talks. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri represented New Delhi in the summit, joining other signatories of a mid-March joint statement that called for an immediate end to attacks on commercial shipping.

The group, which includes Japan, Australia, and several Gulf states, is working to develop a framework for safe transit. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reaffirmed that while diplomacy remains the primary tool, military planners are now tasked with assessing the logistics of securing the strait to prevent further economic destabilisation.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 02, 2026 09:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).