UK Desperately Gathers 35 Nations as Iran Chokes World’s Most Vital Oil Route
The US-Israeli war against Iran triggered attacks on commercial ships, halting nearly all traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The world’s vital oil shipping route was choked off, sending petroleum prices soaring.
The US was not among nations attending the meeting. President Trump declared securing the waterway was “not America’s job” and bluntly told allies to “go get your own oil” — walking away from the Hormuz crisis.
UK PM Starmer organized a virtual meeting of 35 nations, chaired by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. The goal — to assess all viable diplomatic and political measures to restore freedom of navigation through the strait.
35 countries — including France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada and the UAE — signed a joint statement demanding Iran stop blocking the strait and pledging to ensure safe passage through the vital waterway.
No country was willing to force open the strait while Iran could target vessels with missiles, drones and mines. But military planners from multiple nations would soon meet to ensure security after the fighting stops.
Starmer warned reopening the strait “will not be easy,” requiring a united front of military strength and diplomacy. This effort echoes the UK-France coalition model for Ukraine — as Trump renewed threats to leave NATO.
