Marco Rubio, UK Foreign Secretary discuss Iran ceasefire and security in Strait of Hormuz
WASHINGTON DC: US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, spoke with the UK Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, to discuss the Iran ceasefire and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, Al Jazeera reported, citing US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott.
Pigott told Al Jazeera that the US Secretary of State and the UK Foreign Secretary reviewed 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 remained unclear whether the ceasefire with Iran would 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.
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, CNN said.
A statement from the British Prime Minister's Office said 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, CNN reported. The summit will also consider supporting the work of the International Maritime Organisation to enhance the safety of vessels and crew navigating the region, CNN added.
CNN said 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, a German government official said. "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, CNN reported. He is also likely to emphasise the need to reassure commercial shipping and support mine‑clearance operations to stabilise maritime activity, the network said.
