The UK has accused Iran of holding the global economy hostage
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper accused Iran of seizing an international shipping route and blocking the Strait of Hormuz, thereby holding the global economy hostage.
She made this statement during virtual talks involving representatives from more than 40 countries, held on April 2 to discuss the formation of a coalition to secure the Persian Gulf maritime corridor, the BBC reports.
According to Cooper, Tehran’s actions are disrupting trade routes in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Iraq. Disruptions in shipping are affecting deliveries of liquefied natural gas to Asia, fertilizers to Africa, and aviation fuel for the entire world. The announced negotiations are intended to mark the beginning of international efforts to protect strategic routes from Iranian interference. Security issues in the region are also being considered in the context of the actions of other global players, particularly Russia, in energy markets. Cooper emphasized that “Iran has managed to seize an international maritime route to hold the global economy hostage.”
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he had received a message from the new leader of the Iranian regime requesting a ceasefire. Trump is willing to consider such a possibility only on the condition that the Strait of Hormuz is fully opened for the free and safe passage of ships.
As a reminder, the IRGC announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and is threatening a “harsh response” to ships.
