Britain and France chaired talks in London this week with representatives from 35 nations aimed at forming a coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed amid escalating regional conflict. The discussions, hosted by UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, focused on diplomatic, political, and military measures to ensure safe passage for commercial shipping through the vital chokepoint that carries about 20 percent of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas in peacetime.

The Strait of Hormuz has been disrupted since late February 2026, following US and Israeli strikes on Iran that sparked retaliatory actions by Tehran, including attacks on commercial vessels, civilian infrastructure, mine-laying, drone and missile strikes, and threats blocking passage. Iran has stated that non-hostile vessels can transit under certain regulations, but assets linked to the US, Israel, or other participants in the conflict do not qualify. On March 19, leaders from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, Canada, and more than two dozen other nations issued a joint statement condemning Iran's actions and calling for immediate cessation of threats and compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 2817.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the London meeting on Wednesday, emphasizing the UK's role in uniting nations for maritime security. "Freedom of navigation in the Middle East is in the British national interest," Starmer said. He added, "The UK has now brought together 35 nations around our statement of intent to push as one for maritime security across the Gulf." Starmer stressed a combined approach of military strength, diplomacy, industry partnership, and leadership, while clarifying that the conflict is "not our war" and Britain would not join the fighting despite external pressures.

The talks involve military planners from participating countries, as well as sectors like shipping, energy, finance, and insurance, to address de-mining, vessel safety, and restoring commodity flows. UK defense officials noted close coordination between Britain's Chief of the Defense Staff Richard Knighton and France's Fabien Mandon. A UK defense source stated, "We recognize that we have a role to play in bringing together this coalition and helping to lead the rest of the world to develop a plan to ensure that we can reopen the Strait of Hormuz as quickly as possible."

The disruption has driven global oil and gas prices higher, prompting the International Energy Agency to authorize a coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves and pledges to stabilize markets by boosting output from producing nations. Starmer warned of impacts on UK living standards. The joint statement highlighted effects on vulnerable populations worldwide and threats to international peace from interference with energy supply chains.

The UK first offered to host a summit on March 24, potentially in London or Portsmouth, to build a coalition providing reassurance to merchant shipping. Separately, the Trump administration has proposed a multinational consortium to manage the strait, amid peace talks involving the US, Iran, and regional powers. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and Starmer have pushed the effort despite allied skepticism.