On April 2 (local time), foreign ministers from roughly 40 countries held a virtual meeting to explore options for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively blockaded amid the conflict.
U.K. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper chaired the session. In her opening remarks, Cooper said, "We are witnessing Iran seize control of international sea lanes and hold the global economy hostage." She added, "Today we are focusing on an international diplomatic plan that could include the collective use of the full range of diplomatic and economic measures and pressures."
South Korea's Foreign Ministry said Deputy Foreign Minister Jeong Eui-hye attended. Major NATO members, including France and Germany, along with several Gulf states, participated; the United States reportedly did not attend.
Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump had urged European and Asian allies to dispatch warships to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but most declined, saying they would not intervene in the conflict. Frustrated, Trump singled out allies such as the U.K. and South Korea and said he was seriously considering withdrawing the United States from NATO.
