Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has welcomed progress towards a potential agreement between the United States and Iran, stressing that any deal must guarantee 'unconditional and unrestricted' access to the Strait of Hormuz for international shipping. The strategic waterway, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies transit, has been effectively closed to most commercial vessels since late February, when US-Israeli bombing campaigns began.
Starmer Calls for Long-Term Diplomatic Settlement
Speaking on Sunday, Sir Keir stated that the UK Government would collaborate with international allies to 'seize this moment and achieve a long-term diplomatic settlement' in the Middle East. He emphasised that Iran must never be permitted to develop nuclear weapons and that the UK remains committed to protecting British citizens from the ongoing conflict's repercussions.
US President Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that a deal with Iran, which includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, has been 'largely negotiated.' He added that 'final aspects and details of the deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly.'
UK Military Preparations and International Alliance
The UK has already deployed Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dragon to the Middle East as part of preparations for a potential international mission to safeguard shipping once a peace agreement is in place. Armed forces minister Al Carns recently visited RFA Lyme Bay in Gibraltar, a support vessel capable of acting as a mothership for minehunting drones that could be deployed to the Gulf region. The UK and France have been leading efforts to assemble an international coalition willing to provide reassurance and assist with mine clearance following the cessation of hostilities.
However, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones downplayed the likelihood of an imminent peacekeeping mission. Speaking on Sky News, he noted: 'I'm not sure that that's on the table right now. We have long-standing defence partnerships with countries in the region, anyway, as well as British military bases there... But I think what is really the question here is how we get the Strait of Hormuz open, how the Americans and others can help to clear mines that may have been laid in the Strait of Hormuz, so that commercial shipping companies have the confidence again to be able to travel through it.'
Economic Impact of the Strait Closure
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has had significant global economic consequences, driving up energy prices worldwide. The waterway normally carries approximately 20% of the world's oil and gas shipments, making its reopening a critical priority for international trade and stability. Sir Keir's remarks underscore the UK's determination to ensure freedom of navigation and prevent Iran from developing nuclear capabilities, while working towards a comprehensive diplomatic resolution.
