A video conference of foreign Ministers from about 40 countries around the world to explore ways to open the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively blockaded during the war, was held on the 2nd (local time).
The meeting was chaired by Yvette Cooper, the U.K. foreign Minister. In her opening remarks, Cooper, the U.K. foreign Minister, said, "We are witnessing Iran seizing control of international shipping lanes and holding the global economy hostage," and added, "Today we are focusing on a diplomatic and international plan that includes the collective mobilization of the full range of diplomatic and economic tools and pressure."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said earlier that Jeong I-hye, Deputy Minister, would participate from Korea. Key NATO member states such as France and Germany and Gulf countries took part, while the United States was reported not to have attended.
Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump asked European and Asian allies to dispatch warships to open the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively blockaded, but most declined, saying they would not get involved in the war. In response, President Trump, mentioning allies such as the United Kingdom and Korea, voiced dissatisfaction that they were not helpful and said he was strongly considering withdrawing the United States from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).