European foreign ministers urge coordinated global action over Strait of Hormuz crisis

A UK-led virtual meeting discussed the blockade’s impact on trade, energy markets and economies

Foreign ministers from over 40 countries on Thursday called for a unified international response to escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, emphasising diplomacy, maritime security and global economic stability.

The virtual meeting, convened by UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, included European and international officials addressing the blockade’s impact on trade, energy markets, and vulnerable economies.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani highlighted the need to work through the United Nations framework to de-escalate the situation, secure maritime routes, and stabilise energy supplies, while also implementing humanitarian measures such as fertiliser corridors to prevent worsening food crises, particularly in Africa.

Ho partecipato alla riunione sulla crisi nello Stretto di Hormuz con oltre 40 Paesi da tutti i continenti. Per arrivare velocemente alla fine della guerra tutti dobbiamo lavorare nel quadro multilaterale delle Nazioni Unite.
È importante passare dall’Onu non solo per garantire…

— Antonio Tajani (@Antonio_Tajani) April 2, 2026

Slovenia’s Foreign Ministry underscored that only coordinated international efforts can resolve the crisis, noting that “a sustainable solution cannot be secured by military means" and called for intensified diplomatic engagement.

More than 40 foreign ministers 🌎 spoke, at the invitation of @YvetteCooperMP 🇬🇧, about the difficulties caused by the blockade of the Strait of #Hormuz.

"A unified and coordinated approach among countries acting hand in hand is crucial. Coordinated diplomatic activities are… pic.twitter.com/gGzz1Qgb2a

— MFEA Slovenia (@MZEZ_RS) April 2, 2026

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot warned that the disruption already affects households and economies, with severe consequences for developing nations facing rising fuel, food and fertiliser costs.

Ministers discussed diplomatic and economic tools, including sanctions, to reopen the strait, while reaffirming commitment to freedom of navigation under international law.

The Strait of Hormuz is vital for global trade, energy security, and maritime stability. Its continued closure has far-reaching economic and security consequences for all of us.

Here in Belgium, families feel it at the pump and on their energy bills. Our open economy is also… pic.twitter.com/5k8gVp4zJC

— Maxime PREVOT (@prevotmaxime) April 2, 2026

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys stressed stronger enforcement of sanctions against Iran and its proxies as essential for maritime security. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna reiterated Estonia’s commitment to reopening the strait, praising the UK’s leadership in convening the talks.

Read More: UK to host talks with 35 countries on reopening Strait of Hormuz

Portugal’s Foreign Ministry confirmed Minister Paulo Rangel participated in the discussions, emphasising collective action to ensure safe navigation, the release of detained ships and crews, and both short- and long-term measures to restore regional stability.

Thank you 🇬🇧 FM @YvetteCooperMP for convening foreign ministers’ call on coordinating practical efforts toensure freedom of navigation in the Hormuz Strait, essential for global security and stability. Stronger implementation of sanctions against Iran and its proxies is key.… pic.twitter.com/7WFg02ihgX

— Kęstutis Budrys (@BudrysKestutis) April 2, 2026

Across statements on X, ministers warned that prolonged disruption threatens global economic and humanitarian stability, reaffirming continued diplomatic coordination for a sustainable resolution.

Tehran maintains effective control of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for energy shipments to Asian nations it designates as “friendly countries”.

Regional tensions have surged since US and Israeli strikes on Iran began on February 28, resulting in over 1,900 casualties, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran has responded with drone and missile strikes against Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting US military assets.