More than 40 countries demanded the “immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz” in a virtual meeting organized by the United Kingdom, where officials from all continents debated possible measures to increase pressure on Iran. Representatives from over 40 countries, along with international organizations such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Union, participated in a meeting convened by UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, according to Xinhua, CNN, and the Argentine News Agency. “We are determined to take all possible diplomatic, economic, and coordinated measures to achieve the reopening of the strait,” Cooper declared to the press after the meeting. Cooper warned that “Iran’s reckless attacks are harming international maritime shipping and attempting to hijack the world economy. This is affecting gasoline prices and mortgage interest rates in the UK, but also jet fuel worldwide, fertilizer destined for Africa, and grain that is sent to Asia.” The statement describes the Strait of Hormuz as “one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors” and a “main route for global energy exports,” and warns that its disruption would have “immediate and far-reaching consequences for global supply, prices, and economic stability.” The summit examined possible collective and coordinated actions, including increasing diplomatic pressure, imposing economic and political sanctions on Iran, and collaborating to free ships and sailors stranded in the strait. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Domínguez, who participated virtually, stated that the situation requires de-escalation and emphasized that military measures alone are not enough; practical maritime solutions are needed to address the crisis. According to the IMO, around 20,000 sailors remain stranded in the Persian Gulf. Since the start of the conflict on February 28, following military operations by the US and Israel against Iran, the IMO has recorded 21 attacks on merchant vessels; these incidents have resulted in the deaths of 10 sailors and left several others seriously injured.
