UK Hosts 40-Nation Coalition to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Amid Iran Blockade

Britain convened a virtual summit on April 2, 2026, with over 40 countries to coordinate reopening the Strait of Hormuz after Iran established a de facto blockade following a war that began February 28, 2026. Iranian forces have attacked at least 23 commercial vessels and effectively control the strait, which normally carries one-fifth of the world's oil, causing energy prices to soar and forcing nations to tap strategic reserves. The United States notably declined participation, with President Trump arguing Europe should handle the crisis since they depend more on the route, while France's Macron called military force unrealistic and advocated for diplomatic coordination with Iran. The UN Security Council prepared to vote on a Bahrain-sponsored resolution authorizing military force, though coalition members at the Thursday talks reached no concrete solutions beyond planning further discussions with military planners.

UK-Led Coalition Efforts to Reopen the Strait of Hormuz

• ▪British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper hosted the virtual summit in London on April 2, 2026
• ▪The United Kingdom hosted virtual talks on Thursday, April 2, 2026, focused on forming a coalition to explore ways to reopen the Strait of Hormuz

US Absence and Trump's Demands on Allies

• ▪The United States was notably absent from the Thursday, April 2, 2026, coalition talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz

Global Energy Crisis and Security Concerns

• ▪Iranian forces have taken effective control of the Strait of Hormuz since the Iran war began on February 28, 2026
• ▪At least 23 direct Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf have been recorded as of April 2, 2026, according to Lloyd's List Intelligence

International Diplomatic Responses and UN Security Council Action

• ▪The United Nations Security Council convened on Thursday, April 2, 2026, to vote on a Bahrain-sponsored resolution authorizing countries to use military force to reopen the Strait of Hormuz

Perspective of Bahrain and Gulf Arab nations

• ▪Bahrain's foreign minister expressed hope for a UN Security Council vote on the Strait of Hormuz resolution by Friday, April 3, 2026