Iran War — 2026-04-02

UK Convenes 30-Nation Talks on Strait of Hormuz Without US Participation

Britain is organizing a 30-nation diplomatic initiative focused on the Strait of Hormuz crisis, excluding the United States. The talks signal growing international frustration with Washington's unilateral approach to the conflict and represent an attempt to establish a multilateral framework for managing the critical shipping chokepoint through which roughly 20% of global oil passes. ASEAN neutrality in the Iran war is being discussed as key to unlocking the strait.

Analysis
The UK organizing a 30-nation initiative excluding Washington marks the most significant transatlantic diplomatic break since the 2003 Iraq War. Starmer's shift from passive rejection to active coalition-building suggests London assessed that the Hormuz crisis threatens British interests regardless of the war's outcome.

2 sources

Britain gathers 30 countries for Hormuz Strait talks without US participation - UNIAN
Why ASEAN neutrality in Iran war is key to unlocking Strait of Hormuz - South China Morning Post