UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has accused Russia and Iran of attempting to “hijack the global economy” as attacks disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking during a visit to Saudi Arabia, Cooper said the two countries have demonstrated close links over time, particularly in their strategic approach and tactics.
Her remarks came after Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to block shipping through the key waterway in response to ongoing US-Israeli strikes on Iran. The threats have raised concerns over global energy supplies as traffic through the strategic route remains restricted.
Cooper said Russia and Iran appear to support each other and seek to benefit together from actions that could disrupt the global economy.
“We see it in terms of the way these two states try to support each other and try to benefit together from attempting to hijack the global economy,” she said.
Avoiding direct criticism of the United States after it temporarily eased sanctions on the purchase of Russian oil, Cooper described the move as a “specific, targeted issue.”
With inputs from BBC