Around 36 countries are set to meet on Thursday in an effort to apply diplomatic and political pressure to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been disrupted by the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, according to the Associated Press.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the virtual meeting, chaired by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, will assess “all possible diplomatic and political measures” to restore freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway.

He added that the discussions will also focus on ensuring the safety of stranded ships and crews, and resuming the flow of vital goods.

Iranian attacks on commercial vessels, along with threats of further strikes, have led to a near-total halt in maritime traffic through the strait, a key route linking the Gulf to global oceans, disrupting global oil supplies and driving sharp increases in crude prices.

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