France, April 2 -- The strait normally carries around 20 percent of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas, but has been effectively closed by Iran amid a widening regional conflict.

"We have today foreign ministers and representatives from more than 40 countries gathered to discuss the Strait of Hormuz, the consequences of its closure, the urgent need to restore freedom of navigation for international shipping, and our firm international determination to see the strait reopened," British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said at the start of a virtual meeting.

The meeting was announced by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer as United States President Donald Trump urged countries that depend on the route to take action. 

Thousand...