US-Israel War on Iran: UK to Host 35-Nation Talks on Strait of Hormuz as Conflict Escalates
The United Kingdom is set to host a meeting of 35 nations to discuss the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as the US-Israel war on Iran enters a new and dangerous phase, with preliminary figures indicating over 1,900 deaths in Iran and significant casualties among Israeli and US forces. President Donald Trump has threatened further escalation while Iran has denied his claims that its president requested a ceasefire.
The conflict, now in its fifth week, has triggered widespread geopolitical instability, a surge in global oil prices, and a growing humanitarian crisis, with extensive damage reported to Iran's cultural heritage sites and a major explosion at a UK-owned oil facility in Iraq.
The Military Situation
US and Israeli forces have continued strikes across Iran, with the conflict causing significant damage to military infrastructure, energy facilities, and civilian areas. Iran has responded with missile launches and has warned of further strikes on energy sites in the region. The human cost continues to mount, with preliminary figures placing Iranian deaths above 1,900, alongside casualties among Israeli and US military personnel.
Russia has banned all gasoline exports in response to the conflict's impact on global energy markets, and industries across multiple continents — including in Kenya and other developing economies — are suffering from the economic fallout of disrupted supply chains and rising fuel costs.
Diplomatic Efforts
The UK's decision to host a 35-nation meeting on the Strait of Hormuz reflects growing international concern about the impact of the conflict on global shipping and energy supplies. The strait is one of the world's most critical chokepoints for oil and gas transit, and its closure or disruption would have severe consequences for energy markets worldwide.
However, diplomatic efforts face significant obstacles. President Trump has stated that securing the strait is "not for us," and reports indicate that NATO allies are pushing back against his demands for cooperation, with Trump reportedly considering a US exit from the alliance. Pope Leo XIV has made a public plea for an end to the war, urging dialogue and peace.
Impact on the UK and Ireland
The conflict has had direct consequences for the UK and Irish economies. Energy bills, which fell on 1 April under Ofgem's new price cap, are forecast to rise sharply again from July if the conflict continues to disrupt global energy markets. Financial markets are now pricing in Bank of England rate rises rather than cuts, with mortgage rates climbing rapidly. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has made de-escalation of the conflict a central element of his domestic political messaging, arguing that peace in the Middle East is essential for reducing the cost of living for British families.
Why It Matters
The US-Israel war on Iran represents the most significant military conflict involving a major Western power since the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Its consequences — for global energy markets, international alliances, and the humanitarian situation in Iran — are being felt across the world, including in the UK and Ireland. The outcome of diplomatic efforts in the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the conflict escalates further or moves towards a negotiated resolution.
What's Next
The UK-hosted 35-nation meeting on the Strait of Hormuz is expected to take place in the coming days. Live updates on the conflict are available from AP News and Al Jazeera.
