Melike Pala
April 02, 2026•Update: April 02, 2026
BRUSSELS
Foreign ministers from over 40 countries on Thursday called for a unified international response to escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing 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 stabilize energy supplies, while also implementing humanitarian measures such as fertilizer corridors to prevent worsening food crises, particularly in Africa.
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.
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 fertilizer costs. Ministers discussed diplomatic and economic tools, including sanctions, to reopen the strait, while reaffirming commitment to freedom of navigation under international law.
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.
Portugal’s Foreign Ministry confirmed Minister Paulo Rangel participated in the discussions, emphasizing collective action to ensure safe navigation, the release of detained ships and crews, and both short- and long-term measures to restore regional stability.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the Strait of Hormuz as "a global public good" and rejected any attempt to impose transit fees.
"Iran cannot be allowed to charge countries a bounty to let ships pass. International law doesn’t recognise pay-to-pass schemes. Today, we looked at diplomatic, economic, and security measures to restore safe passage, alongside working with the shipping industry," she wrote on X.
The Bulgarian Foreign Ministry said Minister Nadezhda Neynsky expressed support for all diplomatic efforts to restore freedom of navigation through the Strait, while ruling out participation in any military or coercive actions to achieve that goal.
Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu emphasized the importance of international coordination and adherence to maritime law, citing lessons learned from initiatives in the Black Sea.
She added that Romania supports efforts within the EU and UN frameworks and stressed the need for a unified approach to de-escalate tensions and mitigate global economic repercussions.
Poland also highlighted the importance of a peaceful resolution, underlining dialogue and diplomacy as essential tools to restore navigation in the region.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide warned that the situation remains "extremely serious and alarming," stressing the global consequences of disruptions in the strait.
"The strait is a vital artery for global trade. The closure and threats to maritime security affect not only the more than 20 000 seafarers and stranded vessels in the strait and the countries in the region; they also have increasingly severe global economic and humanitarian consequences," he said in a statement.
Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen described Iran’s actions as "unacceptable" and presented a proposal for new sanctions targeting those responsible for obstructing maritime routes.
"Blocking crucial waterways cannot go without consequences for those responsible... I elaborated on the NL proposal for a new sanction mechanism that would enable targeting those responsible for blocking freedom of navigation, now and in the future," he wrote on social media.
Across statements on US social media company 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 Feb. 28, resulting in over 1,340 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.
