UK Foreign Secretary Urges Iran to Abandon Claims of Control Over Trade Routes

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has called on Iran to end what she described as attempts to control commercial shipping routes and stop attacks on maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. She said global trade routes must remain open and that their closure would not be accepted.

Cooper accused Iran of trying to hold the Strait of Hormuz hostage by seeking control over a key international waterway. She warned that disruptions to maritime routes could have serious consequences for global trade and regional stability.

The British foreign secretary said Iran has become a serious threat to international shipping in the region. She urged Tehran to respect freedom of navigation and ensure the safety of vessels passing through vital global trade corridors.