UK says Iran holding world economy 'hostage' with Hormuz attacks | BBC News
UK Foreign Secretary Ivette Cooper is hosting talks with over 40 countries to diplomatically reopen the Strait of Hormuz after Iranian actions reduced daily vessel traffic from 150 to 25 ships. The initiative excludes the US and aims to find a negotiated solution, as military force cannot guarantee safe passage through the strategically vital waterway.
Summary
The UK is leading a diplomatic coalition of more than 40 countries, including France, Germany, and Gulf nations, to address Iran's effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, though notably excluding the United States. Foreign Secretary Ivette Cooper highlighted the severe impact on global shipping, with daily vessel traffic reduced from the normal 150 ships to just 25 in the past 24 hours. Over 25 attacks have occurred on vessels, leaving approximately 20,000 seafarers stranded on 2,000 trapped ships.
Cooper accused Iran of hijacking an international shipping route to hold the global economy hostage, affecting vital supplies including liquified natural gas for Asia, fertilizer for Africa, and jet fuel worldwide. The blockade is impacting multiple Gulf states and contributing to higher mortgage rates, petrol prices, and cost of living increases globally, threatening global economic security.
Security correspondent Frank Gardner explained the complexity of the situation, noting confusion over objectives and the escalating nature of threats. Iran has warned that any attacks on its power plants would result in retaliation against Gulf state infrastructure, including crucial desalination plants needed for drinking water in the extremely hot region where temperatures reach 40°C.
The diplomatic approach comes after President Trump told other nations to 'get your own oil' and deal with Hormuz themselves, effectively encouraging independent action. Gardner emphasized that military force cannot guarantee safe passage through the strait due to Iran's geographical advantages and hidden weapon positions along its coastline. The only viable solution is a negotiated settlement with Iran, which may be more receptive to working with European countries than with the US and Israel.
Key Insights
- Cooper claims Iran has hijacked an international shipping route to hold the global economy hostage, reducing daily vessel traffic from 150 to 25 ships
- Cooper argues that Iranian actions are affecting global supply chains including liquid natural gas for Asia, fertilizer for Africa, and jet fuel for the world, impacting mortgage rates and petrol prices
- Gardner explains that Iran has threatened to retaliate against Gulf state power plants and desalination facilities if its own infrastructure is attacked, which could be catastrophic in temperatures reaching 40°C
- Gardner argues that military force cannot guarantee safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz because Iran holds geographical advantages with hiding places for weapons along its coastline
- Gardner suggests Iran may be more willing to negotiate with European countries than with the US and Israel, who have gone to war with Iran twice in less than a year
Topics
Full transcript available for MurmurCast members
Sign Up to Access