British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with US President Donald Trump. (File photo) UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke to US President Donald Trump about the need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to ease disruption to global shipping, according to Downing Street.
The call comes after Trump urged Britain and other allies to consider sending warships to help secure the vital waterway, which has been largely disrupted since the United States and Israel began military operations against Iran two weeks ago, the BBC reported.
A Downing Street spokeswoman said Starmer and Trump “discussed the current situation in the Middle East and the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz to end the disruption to global shipping, which is driving up costs around the world.”
He added that the British leader also expressed his condolences for the American servicemen killed during the conflict. “They agreed to stay in touch,” the spokeswoman said.
Shipping Disruption and Increased Costs
He Strait of Hormuz It is one of the most important energy routes in the world, through which around 20% of global oil shipments usually pass. Iran’s moves to block the passage have disrupted shipping and raised energy prices.
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Several ships have reportedly been attacked near the narrow canal since the conflict began. There are also concerns that mines have been placed in the canal.
According to a statement attributed to Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, Tehran plans to continue blocking the strait as a way to exert economic and political pressure on the United States.
The United Kingdom weighs options with its allies
UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said reopening the strait was a global priority and Britain was considering ways to help restore safe passage.
“It is very important that the Strait of Hormuz is safe for shipping,” Miliband told the BBC, adding that options were being discussed with allies.
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He said the UK could contribute in different ways, including the use of mine-detection drones, but declined to give details on possible military measures.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the strait remains open to ships not linked to countries Tehran considers hostile, while warning that oil tankers connected to its enemies could become targets.
