EU and UK Unite on Hormuz Crisis, Virtual Summit of 35 Nations to Be Hosted

Diplomatic activity in Europe has intensified over the Hormuz Strait crisis. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer by phone, with both leaders discussing the tensions in West Asia and warning of the threat to global economic stability. Von der Leyen stated that Iran’s actions are putting global economic stability at risk and that they would work with partners to ensure freedom of navigation is restored as soon as possible.

Britain will soon host a virtual summit on the Hormuz Strait, bringing together representatives from 35 countries to consider diplomatic and political options for reopening this critical waterway. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will chair the meeting.

Announcing the initiative, PM Starmer said it would be the first time all nations come together on a single platform to address concerns related to the Hormuz Strait. Military planners will also be invited to the summit to prepare for how the strait can be made safe and navigable once the conflict ends.

British officials said the initiative will also bring in the Gulf Cooperation Council and other key partners. However, Starmer acknowledged that this will not be easy. The summit comes at a time when Trump has told European nations to start fighting for themselves, adding a further layer of complexity to the diplomatic effort.