France and Britain host summit of over 30 nations to reopen Strait of Hormuzreopen Strait of Hormuz
France and Britain convened a summit in Paris on Friday with more than 30 nations, excluding the United States, Israel, and Iran, to pursue a 'third way' for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The gathering includes European leaders like German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, plus Gulf and Asian states such as China. It responds to a war launched six weeks ago by US-Israeli bombardment on Iran, which has disrupted shipping and spiked energy prices.
The initiative aims to negotiate with Iran independently and restore passage through the vital strait without relying on US or Pakistani dominance. Europe seeks to leverage its past role in the 2015 Iran nuclear deal amid waning influence and diversions of munitions from Ukraine. Success could ease global energy costs and demonstrate Europe's diplomatic clout in major conflicts.
- Oman controls the southern shore of the Strait of Hormuz, sharing its narrow 21-mile width with Iran.
- The Strait of Hormuz links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, vital for global oil exports.
- Yvette Cooper serves as UK Foreign Secretary under Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government.
US-Iran Ceasefire War
The United States launched military strikes against Iran on June 26, 2026, in response to a drone attack on a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a "foolish violation" of the 60-day ceasefire agreement signed just days earlier[2][4][14].
26 June, 09:35 PM
US launches strikes against Iran following commercial ship attack26 June, 04:47 PM
Trump calls Iran drone attack on cargo ship a ceasefire violation
