Starmer to Champion Reopening of Strait of Hormuz as 'Global Responsibility' at Paris Gathering
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to declare the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz a "global responsibility" as he co-hosts a critical virtual summit with world leaders in Paris this Friday. The crucial shipping lane, through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil normally flows, has been closed by Iran in retaliation for strikes by America and Israel.
International Response and US Blockade
In a countermove, US President Donald Trump has initiated his own blockade of Iran's oil ports, aiming to cut off Tehran's fossil fuel revenue streams. This escalating tension underscores the urgency of the Paris meeting, which will bring together around 40 countries and the International Maritime Organisation to address the crisis.
Sir Keir will arrive in Paris late Friday morning to co-host the virtual session with French President Emmanuel Macron, followed by a private lunch. The Prime Minister is expected to emphasise the need for immediate action, stating: "The unconditional and immediate reopening of the strait is a global responsibility, and we need to act to get global energy and trade flowing freely again."
Commitment to Multinational Initiative
He will further assert: "Emmanuel Macron and I are clear in our commitment to establish a multinational initiative to protect freedom of navigation. We must reassure commercial shipping and support mine clearance operations to ensure a return to global stability and security." Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Chief of the Defence Staff Sir Richard Knighton will accompany the Prime Minister, highlighting the UK's diplomatic and military focus on the issue.
Focus on Ceasefire and Future Security
The summit's agenda will centre on supporting the US-Iranian ceasefire and developing a robust plan to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to shipping post-conflict. Downing Street has confirmed that planning for a joint defensive mission is already underway, with nations poised to deploy a combined military effort as soon as conditions permit.
This conference will be followed by a multinational military planning summit at the Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood, north-west London, next week, signalling ongoing coordination. Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is embarking on a diplomatic tour, visiting Turkey, the Gulf, and Japan ahead of the US-Iran ceasefire expiration on Tuesday.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global energy markets and trade routes, making this international effort crucial for restoring economic stability and security in the region.
