London, April 2, 2026 (Lusa) – According to ministry sources, Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel is reportedly set to participate in a high-level meeting involving around 30 countries seeking to restore navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
The meeting, organised by the British government and conducted via videoconference, aims to evaluate viable diplomatic and political measures to ensure the safety of crews, secure the release of detained vessels, and resume the transport of essential goods.
The initiative follows a joint declaration made on 19 March by the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan, with 31 other countries, including Portugal, reportedly subscribing to the document, demanding that Iran cease its attempts to block the waterway.
Reports suggest that Iranian attacks on commercial vessels have paralysed nearly all traffic, causing a surge in prices for raw materials and derivatives like fertilisers.
Governments and experts fear a prolonged blockade could affect other sectors of the economy, including agricultural and pharmaceutical production, as well as the manufacture of semiconductors and batteries needed for electronic devices and cars. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Wednesday that military officials would meet to discuss security after the end of the fighting, warning that resuming maritime traffic would require a unified military response and diplomatic activity.
The discussions take place amid significant pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has urged maritime-dependent nations to mobilise.
Furthermore, Trump has reportedly criticised the UK and NATO for failing to provide sufficient support to the US forces upon the US-Israeli attacks against Iran, which began on 28 February.
As a result, Iran has reportedly responded with strikes against Israel and US bases, damaging ships and infrastructure, such as the major Ras Laffan natural gas refinery in Qatar.
The war is estimated to have claimed over 3,000 lives, primarily in Iran and Lebanon, after the pro-Tehran Hezbollah movement attacked Israel.
BM/MYAL // ADB.
Lusa
