More than 40 countries have called for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz following a high-level meeting led by UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.

Axar.az reports, citing UK Foreign Office, the talks, attended by international partners and organizations including the EU and the International Maritime Organization, underscored the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors.

Participants warned that disruptions in the Strait threaten global energy supplies, trade, and economic stability, with serious humanitarian consequences.

The sides called on Iran to allow unimpeded transit and reject any attempt to impose tolls on vessels.

"Iran is trying to hold the global economy hostage in the Strait of Hormuz. They must not prevail."

They also discussed coordinated actions if the situation does not improve.

1- Increase international diplomatic pressure, including through the UN, to send clear and co-ordinated messages to Iran to permit unimpeded transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz and to comprehensively reject the imposition of tolls on vessels which seek to pass through.

2- Explore co-ordinated economic and political measures, such as sanctions, to bear down on Iran if the Strait remains closed.

3- Work together with the International Maritime Organisation to secure the release of thousands of ships and sailors trapped in the Strait and get shipping moving again.

4- Joint arrangements to support greater market and operational confidence. This includes working with shipping operators and industry bodies to ensure coherent and timely information sharing.

"We agreed to take forward further discussions among experts and officials in participating countries to secure freedom of navigation. It is imperative that international law is respected and that Iran fully re-opens the Strait of Hormuz," the statement read.