Cooper to urge full and toll-free reopening of Strait of Hormuz
Cooper to urge full and toll-free reopening of Strait of Hormuz
Yvette Cooper is set to advocate for the complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, following warnings from the Iranian navy that vessels without prior approval risked attack. Her address will highlight the urgent need for unimpeded maritime traffic through the vital waterway.
Speech Details and Priorities
During her annual address on UK foreign policy priorities, Cooper will also push for Lebanon to be incorporated into the US and Israel’s ceasefire agreement with Iran. She will stress that international waterways should not impose fees, as ships now face uncertainty over potential payments to Iran for safe passage.
“There cannot ‘be any place for tolls on an international waterway’ as the economic strain on British citizens grows.”
Starmer’s Gulf Visit
Sir Keir Starmer has reached Abu Dhabi on the second day of his Gulf tour, with tensions in the ceasefire agreement showing signs of rising. Earlier, he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who emphasized the importance of a lasting peace.
Economic Impact and Global Concerns
Cooper will argue that the conflict has repercussions worldwide, increasing food and petrol costs in the UK. She will call for the Strait of Hormuz to remain free of charges, asserting that its disruption affects global trade and energy supply.
“This is an international shipping route, a transit route for the High Seas. No country can close these routes—it goes against the fundamental principles of the law of the sea.”
International Maritime Organization Support
On Thursday, Cooper will visit the International Maritime Organization to back their initiatives aiding ships stranded in the waterway. She will reiterate that the Strait’s full and unconditional re-opening must be a priority for both the current ceasefire and the region’s long-term stability.
UK’s Role in Previous Discussions
Last week, the UK led negotiations involving over 40 nations to resolve the Hormuz bottleneck. All participants acknowledged that ending the war was essential. Cooper noted that Iran had leveraged the shipping route to exert economic pressure, as highlighted in a recent virtual summit not involving the US.
US Accusations and Trump’s Remarks
The US has criticized allies for insufficient efforts to secure the shipping route or support its military campaign. Meanwhile, before the ceasefire announcement, former President Donald Trump remarked that other nations should demonstrate resolve to reopen the passage.
