Description: In a virtual meeting chaired by the British foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper, 40 nations launched a joint initiative to unblock the Strait of Hormuz, following Iran’s blockade due to the attacks from the US and Israel. Cooper stated that all countries would jointly devise means using all economic and diplomatic means at their disposal to force Iran to lift the blockade. Military outfits from the 40 countries were also tasked with developing potential operational capabilities for demining and escorting vessels in and out the Strait. Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy also offered to land his country’s expertise in controlling narrow waterways such as the Strait since Ukraine has successfully managed to outmaneuver Russia in the Black Sea, according to him. The meeting was held after US President Donald Trump effectively abandoned the initiative to unblock the Strait, encouraging other countries to do it instead.
Impact: The joint initiative represents a symbolic reactionary move by the participants which have so far had difficulties in countering the emerging economic crisis. The initiative highlights the importance of key waterway chokepoints and demonstrates strategic unpreparedness and lack of alternative solutions to the energy crisis caused by the blockade. Operationally, the Strait is impossible to unblock since despite Iran’s aerial capitulation, the country still holds significant reserves of ballistic missiles and drones which could threaten any military operation to forcefully unblock the Strait. Going forward, countries would have to devise alternative energy supply chains independently of the outcome of the war, which is set to continue for at least another three weeks.