The United Kingdom will host a summit with the participation of 35 countries on April 2 to discuss ways to mitigate the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced this at a briefing, writes Politico.
He noted that Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper will bring together countries that supported a joint statement calling for safe shipping in the Strait of Hormuz after Iran effectively closed the vital sea route.
“All possible diplomatic and political measures that we can take to restore freedom of navigation, ensure the safety of blocked ships and seafarers, and restore the transport of vital goods will be considered,” Starmer said.
The Prime Minister also said that Britain was convening military partners to discuss how they could “mobilise our capabilities and make the Strait accessible and secure once the fighting has ceased.”
A UK government representative confirmed that the meeting will take place on April 2 and will be held virtually.
Among the countries that supported the joint statement, pledging to make “appropriate efforts” to protect the Strait of Hormuz are the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands.
The UK will deploy additional air defense systems and its own military personnel to help its allies in the Middle East counter Iranian drone attacks.
Earlier, the Daily Mail, citing sources, reported that the Royal Navy's nuclear submarine HMS Anson with Tomahawk missiles had arrived in the northern Arabian Sea. This allows it to quickly respond to threats, including from Iran.