Prime Minister Starmer Pledges UK Role in Reopening Strait of Hormuz After Iran-US Deal
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged the UK will play its 'full part' in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil shipping channel, 'as soon as possible'. Speaking at the G7 summit in France, Sir Keir stated that he and French President Emmanuel Macron are coordinating countries to protect vessels in the Strait, which Iran effectively closed after the US and Israel initiated strikes on 28 February, killing Iran's supreme leader.
The prime minister highlighted the closure's impact on energy prices, affecting 'every household across the country'. While specific details of the US-Iran deal remain undisclosed, US President Donald Trump announced the Strait's full reopening upon the initial agreement's signing this week. Sir Keir congratulated Trump on the 'important breakthrough', adding that the deal would 'make a material difference to our economies' and global stability, alongside a unified G7 stance against Iran developing a nuclear weapon.
Sir Keir indicated that the UK would support the deal by 'standing up the defensive, independent multilateral mission' to restore navigation freedom, including mine clearance, if necessary. The conflict began with Western-allied strikes on Iran, leading to Iranian retaliatory attacks on Israel and Gulf client states.
Other G7 discussions included the war in Ukraine, where Sir Keir was scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The government has announced 70 new sanctions targeting Russia's 'shadow fleet', financial networks, and military supply chains. Sir Keir noted 'real unity' among G7 leaders regarding Ukraine, claiming territorial gains and significant losses for Russian forces.
Regarding domestic politics, Sir Keir dismissed suggestions of a leadership challenge ahead of the Makerfield by-election, affirming his five-year mandate and rejecting the 'chaos' of a leadership contest.
