Marco Rubio, UK Foreign Secretary discuss Iran ceasefire and security in Strait of Hormuz; stress need to restore free navigation
Washington DC, April 17
The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to the United Kingdom Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, to discuss the Iran ceasefire and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Al Jazeera, citing US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott.
According to the Al Jazeera news report, the US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the US Secretary of State spoke with the UK Foreign Secretary to review the next steps involving the ceasefire with Iran.
The two sides discussed the urgent need to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring that commercial vessels can transit safely and that global energy supplies continue to flow without disruption.
The ceasefire agreed between Washington and Tehran is currently set to expire on April 22.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said it remains unclear whether the ceasefire with Iran will be extended, even as he expressed optimism about ongoing negotiations and indicated that the next round of talks could take place over the weekend.
Responding to a question on extending the ceasefire, President Trump said, "We're doing very well. I can tell you, maybe it'll happen before that. I'm not sure it needs to be extended. Just so you know, Iran wants to make a deal, and we're dealing very nicely with them. We've got to have no nuclear weapons. If we do, that's a big factor, and they're willing to do things today that they weren't willing to do two months ago."
He added that the US is currently focused on concluding a deal with Iran, suggesting that progress in talks could make an extension unnecessary.
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are set to host a virtual meeting of world leaders to discuss efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and secure vital shipping routes, CNN reported.
Leaders from around 40 countries are expected to participate in the summit, focusing on supporting the fragile ceasefire involving Iran and ensuring safe passage through the key maritime corridor, as reported by CNN.
According to a statement from the British Prime Minister's Office, discussions will include plans to establish an international mission aimed at reopening the strait. The proposed initiative would be strictly defensive in nature and involve a combined military effort to be deployed once conditions permit, as per CNN.
The summit will also deliberate on supporting the work of the International Maritime Organisation to enhance the safety of vessels and crew navigating the region, CNN reported.
According to CNN, Starmer is scheduled to arrive in Paris on Friday to co-host the meeting with Macron. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is also expected to attend, according to a German government official.
"The unconditional and immediate reopening of the strait is a global responsibility, and we need to act to get global energy and trade flowing freely again," Starmer is expected to tell the summit, as per CNN.
He is also likely to emphasise the need to reassure commercial shipping and support mine-clearance operations to stabilise maritime activity, CNN reported.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While stability in the region is important, I hope these talks also consider the humanitarian impact on ordinary Iranians. Sanctions and constant tension have hurt the common people the most. A deal that ensures no nuclear weapons AND eases the economic pressure would be a real win-win.
India should have a seat at this table. We are one of the largest consumers of energy from that region and our navy has experience in maritime security operations. Our diplomatic voice is needed to balance the Western perspective. Jai Hind!
The mention of a "strictly defensive" international military mission worries me. It often starts that way. History shows foreign military presence in the Gulf can escalate tensions further. Diplomacy and regional cooperation should be the priority, not more ships.
Free navigation is non-negotiable. The world economy depends on it. But let's be honest, the US and UK discussing this feels a bit ironic given their own histories. Hope the focus remains on de-escalation and practical safety for ships, not geopolitical point-scoring.
As an Indian, my immediate thought is of the impact on petrol and diesel prices. Every time there's tension in the Gulf, we feel it at the pump. I hope the ceasefire holds and gets extended. Stability there means stability in our household budgets here.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.