The United Kingdom has assembled representatives from 35 countries in London for emergency talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, in a stark display of transatlantic division over how to resolve the escalating crisis with Iran.Notably absent from Tuesday's summit: the United States.The gathering, confirmed by the Associated Press, brings together European, Asian, and Middle Eastern nations seeking diplomatic alternatives to the military confrontation being pursued by Washington. French President Emmanuel Macron used the occasion to deliver a direct rebuke to American strategy, telling reporters that it is "unrealistic to open Hormuz Strait by force."To understand today's headlines, we must look at yesterday's decisions. The current rift echoes the 2003 Iraq War, when France, Germany, and other European powers refused to join the U.S.-led invasion. But this crisis carries higher economic stakes: the Strait of Hormuz is the world's most critical oil chokepoint, with no ready alternative should it remain closed for an extended period.British Foreign Secretary David Lammy opened the summit by emphasizing the need for "coordinated international pressure" on Tehran to reopen shipping lanes without resorting to military strikes. London's approach centers on economic incentives and multilateral sanctions relief in exchange for Iranian cooperation—a framework that directly contradicts Washington's maximalist demands.Among the participants are Germany, Japan, South Korea, , and several Gulf Arab states, all heavily dependent on Persian Gulf oil shipments. , which imports nearly 40 percent of its crude through the strait, sent a senior Foreign Ministry official but has not publicly endorsed any specific diplomatic framework.The absence of American representation underscores the between and its traditional allies on foreign policy. President 's announcement of imminent military strikes against came without prior consultation with NATO partners, according to diplomatic sources in . European leaders learned of the decision through media reports rather than official channels.'s criticism represents the most direct public challenge to U.S. policy from a major ally in recent memory. Speaking alongside British Prime Minister , the French president warned that The diplomatic effort faces significant obstacles. has thus far refused to engage with Western mediators, insisting that the will remain closed until all U.S. sanctions are lifted—a demand has categorically rejected. Meanwhile, commercial shipping through the region has ground to a virtual halt, with insurance companies refusing to cover vessels transiting the area.Whether this European-led initiative can bridge the diplomatic impasse remains uncertain. But it represents the clearest signal yet that America's closest allies believe the current trajectory leads toward catastrophe rather than resolution.