Starmer: 'Much Work Remains' on US-Iran Ceasefire and Strait of Hormuz Reopening
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has stressed that considerable work remains to establish a lasting peace following the two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States, and to fully restore access to the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking from Saudi Arabia, Sir Keir highlighted the global impact of the Strait's closure on oil and gas supplies, which he noted would help "stabilise" prices in the UK upon reopening.
Complexities of the Ceasefire
The ceasefire, agreed just an hour before a deadline set by US President Donald Trump, includes conditions for the complete and safe opening of the Strait of Hormuz. However, complexities remain, particularly concerning its scope. While Pakistan and Iran assert the deal covers Lebanon, where Israel is engaged with Hezbollah, Israel maintains that Lebanon is not included.
Reports from Iranian media indicate that oil tankers have ceased passage through the Strait, with ship-broker SSY confirming that vessels require permission from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to transit. This underscores the challenges in normalising shipping routes.
UK Diplomatic Efforts
During his visit, Sir Keir met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss the UK's ongoing efforts to convene international partners. These efforts aim to agree on practical steps to instil confidence in shipping companies to resume transit through the Strait. Sir Keir is due to return to the UK on Friday.
Shadow Housing Secretary Sir James Cleverly welcomed the ceasefire as an "opportunity for Iran to make some serious choices," while Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey expressed reservations about trusting the US President, labelling him a "totally unreliable ally."
The conflict, which began in February over concerns about Iran's nuclear programme, has seen Tehran target neighbours and impose a stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz, causing crude oil prices to spike globally.
