UK Leads Diplomatic Effort to Restore Shipping in Strait of Hormuz

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper speaks to staff at the British Embassy during a visit to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia on March 12, 2026. Stefan Rousseau/PAThe UK is leading a diplomatic initiative to restore access to the Strait of Hormuz, currently being throttled by Iran in response to the United States and Israel’s military action against it.A meeting between NATO allies, including France and Germany, and some 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.”