London, April 1 (SANA) British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the United Kingdom would host an international meeting this week bringing together more than 30 countries to discuss restoring maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking at a press conference at Downing Street, Starmer said 35 countries had backed a joint declaration supporting maritime security in the Gulf, adding that Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper would host the first meeting of participating nations later this week.
He said the UK would assess all diplomatic and political options to restore freedom of navigation, ensure the safety of ships and crews stranded in the strait, and resume the flow of vital goods.
In a related context, Starmer reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to NATO, describing it as “the most effective military alliance the world has ever known,” after U.S. President Donald Trump earlier in the day criticized the alliance in comments reported by The Telegraph.
Trump also criticized European countries for declining U.S. requests to join the conflict with Iran, urging them to secure their own energy supplies amid disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz.
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