Sir Keir Starmer met with G7 world leaders on Monday, following US President Donald Trump's announcement that the Strait of Hormuz would soon reopen. This marks the Prime Minister's first meeting with Mr Trump since the President labeled him 'no Winston Churchill' in March, criticizing Sir Keir for refusing to allow RAF bases to be used for US strikes.
During the summit, Mr Trump informed French President Emmanuel Macron: 'I am very happy to say: it's signed, the deal is all signed.' The US President declared that the 'Great Deal' will be formally signed on Friday, leading to the lifting of the US naval blockade within 30 days, two months after its imposition.
In a post on Truth Social, Mr Trump wrote: 'I hereby fully authorise the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorise the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines.' He added: 'This Great Deal will bring Peace and Security to the whole Region. Many presidents have tried to make Peace with Iran, and all have failed before me. The Leaders of the Region have, for the first time, found a President who can help them achieve real Peace. With the opening of the Strait upon the signing of the Deal on Friday, for purposes of mine removal, oil will flow on both ends again for the Region, and the World!'
Ships have already begun moving through the Strait of Hormuz, with US markets opening higher after oil prices fell. The S&P 500 climbed 1.6%, and the Dow Jones rose 1.2%, while global oil prices dropped 3.8% and US-traded oil fell 4.1%.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cautioned that 'the fight is not over,' urging the country to 'remain vigilant.' A 60-day ceasefire is expected to be agreed upon as warring nations finalize details.
Sir Keir welcomed the US-Iran peace deal as a 'hugely important step forward in ending the war,' emphasizing that the strait must remain 'fully and permanently open.' A joint statement from Britain, France, Germany, and Italy declared: 'Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon. We stand ready to work with the U.S., Iran and the IAEA to this end.'
The Prime Minister will return to the UK on Wednesday ahead of the Makerfield by-election, where Labour candidate Andy Burnham is poised to challenge him for the Labour leadership should he gain a seat.
