UK Leads Diplomatic Effort to Restore Shipping in Strait of Hormuz

About 40 countries are working to secure the vital maritime passage choked off by Iran after Trump said they should ’take it themselves.’

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper speaks during a virtual summit at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in London, England, on April 2, 2026. Leon Neal/Pool via Reuters

The UK is leading a diplomatic initiative to restore access to the Strait of Hormuz, currently being throttled by Iran in response to the U.S.–Israeli military action against it.

A meeting between NATO allies, including France and Germany, and some Persian Gulf States was held on April 2, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for countries that rely on the maritime route to “build up some delayed courage” and “just take it.”