The UK is hosting a virtual summit with 40 countries, including France, Germany, and Japan, to find diplomatic ways to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, blocked amid the US and Israel’s war with Iran. Repeated Iranian attacks have halted nearly all shipping, driving up global oil prices.

PM Keir Starmer emphasized non-military solutions, while military planners will later explore securing shipping once hostilities ease, according to the Associated Press. France and other nations favor diplomacy over force, citing Iran’s missile and drone threats.

Since February 28, 23 commercial vessels have been attacked, killing 11 crew members, underscoring the strait’s critical importance.