Anand to join U.K.-led talks on Strait of Hormuz as conflict disrupts global oil shipments

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand is set to join multi-nation talks hosted by the United Kingdom on Thursday aimed at identifying diplomatic options to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key global trade corridor disrupted by the ongoing Iran conflict.

Anand said Canada is prepared to support efforts to secure the strait once a ceasefire is in place, though she indicated the federal government has not yet determined what specific measures it would take. According to her office, the discussions will focus on restoring safe passage for commercial shipping amid rising tensions in the region.

The conflict has significantly disrupted energy shipments through the strait, contributing to a surge in global oil prices over the past month. The waterway is a critical route for international النفط exports, and prolonged instability has raised concerns among major importing countries, including Canada.

Anand returned this week from Saudi Arabia, where she met with senior officials to discuss trade relations and regional security. According to the minister, the visit also included discussions on de-escalation efforts as the conflict continues to widen.

She said it was important to travel to Riyadh despite recent retaliatory strikes in the country, noting she thanked Saudi authorities for assisting approximately 300 Canadians in leaving the region. The evacuation effort was carried out as hostilities intensified.