Sir Keir Starmer has welcomed progress towards a possible US-Iran deal that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, calling for unconditional and unrestricted access for shipping. The Prime Minister said the UK would work with allies to “seize this moment” to achieve a long-term diplomatic settlement in the Middle East.
US President Donald Trump announced that a deal with Iran, including the reopening of the strait, has been “largely negotiated”, with final aspects currently under discussion. The strait, a vital route for around 20% of global oil and gas shipping, has been effectively closed to most shipping since the US-Israeli bombing campaign began in late February, driving up global prices.
In a statement, Sir Keir said: “I welcome the progress towards an agreement between the US and Iran. We need to see an agreement that brings the conflict to an end and reopens the Strait of Hormuz, with unconditional and unrestricted freedom of navigation. It’s vital that Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.”
The UK has already deployed Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dragon to the Middle East to prepare for a possible international mission to safeguard shipping. The UK and France have been leading efforts to form an alliance for mine clearance once hostilities cease. Armed forces minister Al Carns visited RFA Lyme Bay in Gibraltar, a support vessel capable of acting as a mothership for minehunting drones.
However, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones played down the prospect of an imminent peacekeeping mission, telling Sky News: “I’m not sure that that’s on the table right now.” He emphasised the need to clear mines in the strait so commercial shipping can resume with confidence.
