UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper delivers opening remarks as she chairs a virtual meeting to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz in London, UK, on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
Bloomberg | Bloomberg | getty images
Britain’s Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper is expected to call for unimpeded access through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, responding to Iran’s attempt to control one of the world’s most important oil chokepoints.
In the annual foreign policy speech, Cooper is expected to say shipping should be made toll-free through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively blocked by Iran since the beginning of the war.
“The fundamental freedom of the seas must not be unilaterally withdrawn or sold off to individual bidders. Nor can there be any place for tolls on international waterways,” Cooper will say at London’s Mansion House this evening, according to advance excerpts of his speech.
According to the Financial Times, Iran has said it wants to charge ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz reporting on Wednesday that Tehran is planning to charge shipping companies a fee in cryptocurrency to allow its oil tankers to pass through the waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow sea corridor that connects the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. About 20% of global oil and gas typically passes through the strait.
Britain’s Cooper is expected to push for Lebanon to be included in a two-week ceasefire agreed between the US and Iran on Tuesday.
Cooper would say, “The ceasefire agreement between the US, Israel and Iran is welcome. It is an important step towards bringing security and stability to the region and reducing pressures on the global economy and the cost of living here at home.”
“There is still much work to be done and we support the negotiations: they must make progress; there must be no return to conflict; Lebanon must be included in the ceasefire; Iran must no longer pose a threat to its neighbors; and importantly, the Strait of Hormuz must be fully reopened.”
Cooper is set to outline the economic impact of the Middle East crisis on people in Britain, citing rising mortgage rates, fuel prices and the cost of food.
His speech came as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held talks with several countries in the Gulf region to discuss diplomatic efforts to support and maintain the ceasefire agreement.