Britain's Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, second right, attends a virtual summit at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in London, on Thursday April 2, 2026, with around 35 countries to discuss ways of reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Britain has accused Iran of holding the global economy hostage as diplomats from over 40 countries discuss ways to press Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. was absent from the virtual meeting following President Donald Trump's stance that securing the waterway is not America's responsibility. U.K. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper highlighted the impact of Iran's actions on global oil and food prices. Shipping has slowed significantly due to Iranian attacks on vessels in he strait. French President Macron says reopening the strait by force is unrealistic. The 41 countries attending Thursday's meeting are demanding Iran stop blocking the strait and have pledged to work to ensure safe passage.