London:On Thursday, almost three dozen countries will meet to work together to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route that has been mostly closed because of the US-Israeli war against Iran. The closing of this important oil route has already shaken up global markets, causing crude prices to rise sharply.British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that the virtual meeting, which will be led by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, will focus on finding "all viable diplomatic and political measures" that can help reopen the waterway, protect the crew members who are stuck there, and get essential goods moving again around the world.
Iran's attacks stop shipping around the world and raise oil prices.Iran's attacks on commercial ships and threats of more action have almost completely stopped all activity in the strait. The closure has cut off a large part of the world's oil flow, which has made the energy crisis worse. This is because it is a gateway between the Persian Gulf and international waters.
Trump says allies should get their own oil, so the US stays out.The meeting does not include the United States because President Donald Trump has made it clear that it is not America's job to make sure the passage goes through. He told allies to "go get your own oil." His position has made it harder for European and Asian partners to take charge of the growing crisis.
Trump said again in his speech from the White House on Thursday that the US has plenty of oil and gas reserves at home and doesn't need the important maritime route. Trump also told countries that depend on the Strait of Hormuz for oil to "protect and preserve" the passage in his speech to the nation.
No immediate military action, but plans are being made.No country is ready to forcibly reopen the strait while there is still fighting going on and Iranian forces can still use missiles, drones, mines, and attack boats to attack ships. Starmer did say, though, that military planners from several countries will soon talk about how to make sure safe passage once the fighting stops.
A coalition of 35 countries wants the strait to be opened.The UK, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Japan, the UAE, and 35 other countries have all called on Iran to stop trying to block the waterway. These countries have promised to "contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage." After Thursday's meeting, there will be technical-level talks to come up with an action plan.
Europe wants to show that it is united.It is interesting to note that the coordinated effort is similar to the "coalition of the willing" structure that was set up to help Ukraine's security framework. European leaders also see this as a chance to show they can take on more responsibility for keeping the region stable, especially since Trump has hinted again that the US might leave NATO.