Keir Starmer has arrived in Saudi Arabia to meet Gulf leaders, hours after the US and Iran agreed a two-week ceasefire that suspended threats of widespread destruction. The UK prime minister said he welcomed the agreement, which he described as a moment of relief for the region and the world.
Speaking on Wednesday, Starmer said the international community must do all it can to support and sustain the ceasefire, turn it into a lasting agreement, and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Downing Street stated the visit, planned before the deal, would focus on diplomatic efforts to uphold the ceasefire and protect the global economy.
The ceasefire followed a joint statement from world leaders, including the UK, France, Germany, and others, who pledged to ensure freedom of navigation in the strait. They called for swift progress towards a negotiated settlement to protect civilians in Iran and ensure regional security.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is reported to have spoken with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging a swift end to the conflict. Last week, Cooper chaired a meeting of over 40 countries in London to discuss measures to reopen the crucial oil and gas shipping route, which had been closed since US-Israel attacks began.
Despite the ceasefire, missile and drone strikes continued in countries including Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, and Israel. Oil prices plunged and stocks soared following the announcement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supported the suspension of attacks against Iran but said the ceasefire did not cover fighting against Hezbollah in Lebanon, while Pakistan’s prime minister said it extended to Lebanon.
