Sir Keir Starmer has called on the United States and Iran to find a diplomatic solution after peace talks collapsed, as President Donald Trump threatened to blockade the Strait of Hormuz. The Prime Minister urged both sides to maintain the fragile ceasefire and avoid further escalation.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the US would immediately begin blockading all ships trying to enter or leave the Strait, and would interdict vessels that have paid tolls to Iran. He claimed that talks in Pakistan, involving Vice-President JD Vance, had made progress on most points but failed on the nuclear issue.
Starmer discussed the negotiations with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tarik al Said. A Downing Street spokesperson said they urged both sides to find a way through and stressed the importance of continuing the ceasefire. They also addressed efforts to reopen the Strait, which has been throttled by Iran, causing energy prices to rise.
Britain will host further talks next week with a coalition of countries to support a sustainable end to the conflict and increase diplomatic pressure on Iran. This includes exploring coordinated economic and political measures, such as sanctions, and working with the International Maritime Organisation to secure the release of trapped ships and sailors.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting criticised Trump's language as incendiary, provocative, and outrageous, but noted that ministers had learned to distinguish between Trump's words and his actions. Despite strained relations, the UK continues to engage diplomatically.
