JAKARTA, KONTAK BANTEN – Around 40 countries convened a high-level virtual meeting on Thursday, April 2, 2026, to discuss coordinated efforts to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which has been partially blocked by Iran amid escalating regional conflict.
The meeting, led by the United Kingdom, notably excluded the United States, signaling a shift in alignment as some traditional allies appear to distance themselves from Washington’s stance under President Donald Trump.
Participants included major global players such as France, Germany, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and India. Discussions focused on ensuring the uninterrupted flow of global energy supplies through the vital maritime route.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper criticized Tehran’s actions, stating that Iran had crossed a line by disrupting international shipping lanes.
“Iran has effectively hijacked a key global shipping route and is holding the world economy hostage,” Cooper said, as quoted by Reuters.
Although no concrete decision was reached, participating nations agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to international navigation and should not be subject to transit fees imposed by Iran.
Further discussions are scheduled for next week, involving military planners who will assess potential measures such as mine-clearing operations and securing safe passage for commercial vessels.
Rising Tensions and Global Impact
Iran’s move to restrict access to the strait follows joint military strikes by the United States and Israel beginning on February 28, 2026. The disruption has affected nearly 20 percent of global oil supply, triggering volatility in energy markets.
French President Emmanuel Macron warned against military escalation, emphasizing the high risks involved, including potential missile attacks from coastal areas.
Meanwhile, several European nations have begun scaling back military cooperation with Washington. Italy reportedly denied landing access to U.S. bombers, while Spain restricted its airspace for operations linked to the Iran conflict.
In response, Trump lashed out at allies, urging them to secure their own energy access.
“If France or other countries want oil or gas, they can go to the Strait of Hormuz themselves. We will not be involved,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social account.
He further stated that the U.S. would no longer assist countries that, in his view, failed to support Washington during the conflict.
Diplomatic and Security Developments
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the Trump administration may reassess its relationship with NATO after the conflict.
At the global level, the United Nations Security Council is scheduled to vote on a resolution concerning maritime protection in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, April 4, 2026. The proposal, initiated by Bahrain, could allow nations to take defensive measures to safeguard shipping routes.
Despite the restrictions, Iran continues to grant selective access to allied nations, including Pakistan, Malaysia, China, and Turkey. Recently, Tehran also assured safe passage for vessels flying the Philippine flag.
Iran is also working with Oman to develop a maritime traffic monitoring protocol for the strait.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, emphasized that wartime conditions make normal maritime operations difficult.
“We are in a state of war, and wartime conditions cannot be managed under peacetime rules,” he said, according to IRNA.
Russia Offers Mediation
Vladimir Putin expressed concern over the escalating situation in the Middle East and offered Russia’s assistance in stabilizing the region.
“We are ready to make every effort to help stabilize the situation and return it to normal,” Putin said during a meeting with Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.
Oil Prices Surge
Global oil markets have reacted sharply to the crisis. According to Refinitiv data, Brent crude prices closed at $109.28 per barrel on Thursday, April 2, up 8.03 percent. During intraday trading, prices briefly reached $109.74 per barrel.
In the spot market, S&P Global reported that Brent prices surged as high as $141.36 per barrel, reflecting strong demand for shipments over the next 10 to 30 days.
Meanwhile, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude also recorded significant gains, closing at $111.54 per barrel, up 11.41 percent.
The ongoing crisis underscores the fragility of global energy supply chains and raises concerns over prolonged economic disruption if tensions in the region continue to escalate.
