The talks aim to build a coalition of countries that can work together to restore safe navigation in the area.
British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper will lead the virtual meeting in London with representatives from about 35 countries. Participants include France, Germany, Italy, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates. However, the United States is not expected to attend the meeting.
The discussions come after US President Donald Trump said that ensuring the waterway remains open should be the responsibility of countries that rely on it. In a national address, Trump suggested the Strait might reopen “naturally” and urged other nations to take action themselves.
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The Strait of Hormuz is extremely important for global trade because nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil passes through this narrow waterway. Iran effectively shut down the route after the US and Israeli military strikes began earlier this year, creating serious concerns about global energy supplies.
Rising oil prices and fears about economic instability have pushed many countries to search for solutions quickly. Governments around the world are worried that a long disruption in the Strait could affect energy markets and the global economy.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the meeting will examine “all viable diplomatic and political measures” to restore safe shipping in the region once a ceasefire takes effect. He acknowledged that reopening the Strait would be a difficult task that requires cooperation among many countries.
European nations had earlier resisted US calls to send naval forces to the region because they feared being drawn into the conflict. But the growing pressure from rising energy prices has now pushed them to explore collective options.
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Officials say Thursday’s meeting will be the first formal discussion among the group. More detailed talks, including military planning, are expected in the coming weeks if the countries agree on a common strategy.
One European official said any plan would likely begin with clearing naval mines from the waterway. The second stage would focus on protecting oil tankers and commercial ships passing through the Strait.
Prime Minister Starmer stressed that reopening the route would require both diplomatic efforts and strong cooperation with the global shipping industry. Meanwhile, Trump repeated his call for other countries to act boldly, saying they should “build up some delayed courage” and secure the route themselves.
