21 April 2026 , 09:18
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Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has said “a critical diplomatic moment” is approaching as the end of a two-week US-Iran ceasefire draws near.
The Labour Cabinet minister again warned that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is "affecting the global economy," amid international efforts to protect this crucial shipping route.
She made her remarks as uncertainty loomed over further talks between Washington and Tehran in Pakistan before the fragile truce expires on Wednesday.
Renewed peace negotiations were cast into doubt after the US seized an Iranian cargo ship it claimed was attempting to breach its blockade of the country’s ports, prompting threats of retaliation for the "armed piracy."
Oil prices increased again in response to the standoff over the strait, which is an essential trade route.
Speaking in a video posted on X, Ms. Cooper said: “This is a critical diplomatic moment.
As we near the end of the agreed 2 week ceasefire, this is a critical diplomatic moment.
— Yvette Cooper (@YvetteCooperMP) April 20, 2026
For the last 6 days I’ve travelled through 5 countries, speaking to more than a dozen foreign ministers and counterparts, to maintain international pressure on opening the Strait of Hormuz. pic.twitter.com/W9Qq383Utu
“As we approach the end of the two-week agreed ceasefire with Iran, negotiations are starting, but the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, so international shipping is still restricted. That is impacting the global economy.”
She mentioned she had been meeting with her foreign counterparts "about the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz."
Meanwhile, Donald Trump insisted he will not rush into making a deal with Iran.
While dismissing claims he was under pressure, the US president suggested an agreement would be reached “relatively quickly.”
He wrote on his Truth Social platform: “Time is not my adversary; the only thing that matters is that we finally, after 47 years, straighten out the mess that other presidents allowed to happen because they didn’t have the courage or foresight to do what needed to be done regarding Iran.”
Insisting that the US was “winning” the conflict, he vowed to maintain the blockade until a deal is reached, arguing the economic measure is “absolutely destroying Iran.”
Iran’s chief negotiator and parliament speaker Mohammed Bagher Qalibaf said Tehran does not enter talks under threats.
He accused the US president of trying to turn the negotiating table into a “table of surrender,” in a post on X.
Deputy Editor