U.K. calls for a 'toll-free' Strait of Hormuz as the U.S.-Iran ceasefire remains uncertain

Britain on Monday (April 20, 2026) called for a lasting settlement to ensure freedom of navigation and a toll-free Strait of Hormuz as the U.S.-Iran ceasefire hung in the balance.

U.K. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper arrived in Japan for the final leg of what has been branded as an "intensified shuttle diplomacy tour" to advance coordination with key allies on shared geopolitical, economic and energy security priorities.

Iran says final deal still far off as Strait of Hormuz remains closed

During the six-day tour spanning Europe and West Asia, the British Minister held in-person talks with Foreign Ministers from 11 countries, including Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, the UAE, and Ukraine, concluding with a meeting with the Japanese Foreign Minister for the annual Strategic Dialogue in Tokyo.

"An important meeting with Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on the importance of extending the ceasefire and getting shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz fully reopened,” said Ms. Cooper, following the meeting with her Pakistani counterpart on Sunday (April 19, 2026).