UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will call for Lebanon to be included in the US-Iran ceasefire agreement, according to multiple reports. Speaking at an event at Mansion House in London on Thursday, Cooper is expected to emphasize that "there must be no return to conflict" following the two-week pause announced by US President Donald Trump.
Key Takeaways
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will call for Lebanon to be included in the US-Iran ceasefire agreement during her speech at Mansion House in London. She will emphasize the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and toll-free, citing its global economic impact.
- UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to urge inclusion of Lebanon in US-Iran ceasefire
- Iran seeks fees for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz
- Cooper to stress the importance of free navigation in international waterways
- Ceasefire agreement faces challenges as Israel intensifies attacks on Lebanon
According to The Guardian, Israel intensified its bombing campaign in Lebanon even after the ceasefire announcement, resulting in at least 254 deaths. This prompted Iran to halt oil tanker passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The BBC reported that Cooper will also stress the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and toll-free, as its closure has driven up global fuel prices.
Reuters noted that Cooper will argue against Iranian attempts to charge fees for ships passing through the Strait, which carries around a fifth of the world's oil and gas. She is expected to say: "The fundamental freedoms of the seas must not be unilaterally withdrawn or sold off to individual bidders." CNBC added that Iran plans to charge shipping firms in cryptocurrency for passage.
The ceasefire agreement, while welcomed by Cooper as a vital step towards regional stability, faces challenges. US Vice-President JD Vance clarified that Lebanon was not part of the deal, according to The Guardian. Cooper will urge progress in negotiations and emphasize the global economic impact of the conflict, citing rising mortgage rates, fuel prices, and food costs in Britain.
The UK has been actively involved in diplomatic efforts, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer meeting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss lasting peace. The Guardian reported that Cooper will visit the International Maritime Organization to support efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and assist stranded seafarers.
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