Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has expressed deep concern over Israel's strikes on Lebanon, urging that the country be included in the Iran ceasefire deal. Speaking to Times Radio, she warned that failing to extend the ceasefire to Lebanon could 'destabilise the whole region'.
Cooper told Sky News she was 'deeply troubled' by the escalating attacks from Israel in Lebanon. She emphasised the need for an end to hostilities and confirmed she would meet the International Maritime Organisation later on Thursday to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Defence Secretary John Healey is also expected to speak publicly later on Thursday. Cooper stressed it was 'crucial' that Iran not be allowed to impose tolls in the strait.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, during a visit to Abu Dhabi, told Gulf allies that Iran must not 'hold the Strait of Hormuz to ransom'. He welcomed the two-week pause in US bombing but noted it was 'early days' and more work was needed to restore shipping.
The ceasefire appeared under strain after Iran closed the strait again on Wednesday night in response to Israeli attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iran's deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh called the Israeli actions an 'intentional grave violation of the ceasefire' and said Iran sent a clear message to Washington by closing the strait.
Sir Keir has joined European allies and Canada in calling for the ceasefire to be implemented in full, including in Lebanon. Talks between the US and Iran are due in Pakistan this weekend, with Vice President JD Vance and envoy Steve Witkoff attending.
