On April 2, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper convened a virtual meeting with representatives from over 40 countries to discuss potential coordinated actions against Iran in response to its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The discussions included possible sanctions and diplomatic pressure through the United Nations.
The meeting, which included participants from various continents as well as representatives from the International Maritime Organization and the European Union, addressed the implications of the blockade. Cooper characterized the closure of the strait as a direct threat to global prosperity, urging immediate and unconditional reopening to uphold the principles of free navigation and maritime law.
“Iran is attempting to hold the global economy hostage in the Strait of Hormuz. They must not prevail,” the statement read.
Participants explored several avenues for joint action, including increasing international diplomatic pressure via the UN to ensure Iran allows unobstructed passage for vessels and refrains from imposing transit fees. Additionally, the possibility of coordinated economic and political measures, including sanctions, was discussed should the blockade persist.
Collaboration with the International Maritime Organization was also on the agenda, aimed at freeing thousands of ships and sailors currently trapped in the strait and restoring maritime traffic. Furthermore, the countries agreed to coordinate efforts to maintain market stability and share information with shipping companies and industry associations.
Participants committed to continuing consultations at the expert and official levels to ensure freedom of navigation.
Military Operations Against Iran
On February 28, Israel conducted an airstrike on Tehran, prompting a response from U.S. President Donald Trump, who announced the initiation of a “major military operation” against Iran. This operation aimed to eliminate perceived imminent threats posed by the Iranian regime, which Trump accused of funding and training militants in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine.
In the wake of these developments, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have launched missiles and drones toward Israel and attacked U.S. military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Amid the escalating military actions, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council, while the European Union reaffirmed its commitment to regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed support for giving Iranians a chance to rid themselves of what he termed a “terrorist regime” and to ensure safety for all nations affected by Iranian aggression.
On the same day, Trump announced the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a claim later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). Following this, the IRGC declared the commencement of its “most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic” against Israel and U.S. military bases.
Trump warned the Iranian regime against further escalation, threatening a “very strong response” if they continued their plans. On March 2, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the next phase of military operations would be even more devastating.
By March 6, Trump called for a complete change in Iran’s leadership, suggesting he had potential candidates for a “good leader.” On March 8, Iran’s Assembly of Experts elected Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the deceased leader, as the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic.
Trump declined to comment on this election, stating only, “We’ll see what happens.” He had previously asserted that the new leader would not last long without the approval of the White House.
On March 26, Trump announced a suspension of the destruction of Iranian energy facilities until April 6, stating that this decision was made at the request of the Iranian government while negotiations were ongoing.
The international community, led by the UK, is responding to Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz through coordinated diplomatic efforts and potential sanctions. Concurrently, military actions involving the US and Israel against Iran have escalated, raising concerns about regional stability.