Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed his strong support for the ceasefire agreement reached overnight between the United States and Iran, describing it as a crucial moment of relief for the region and the global community. Sir Keir emphasised that this pause in hostilities presents a vital opportunity to secure a long-term solution for shipping through the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz.
Diplomatic Mission to the Gulf
Sir Keir is travelling to the Middle East on Wednesday to engage in high-level discussions with leaders of Gulf allies. During his visit, he is expected to focus on diplomatic efforts aimed at supporting and upholding the ceasefire. The Prime Minister will set out the UK Government's clear call for de-escalation in the conflict with Iran and advocate for turning this temporary halt into a lasting peace agreement.
Trump's Deadline and Ceasefire Terms
The ceasefire came after a tense period where former US President Donald Trump had issued a stark warning to Iran. On Tuesday, Mr Trump declared that "a whole civilisation will die" unless Tehran met his demands to end its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. He had set a deadline of 1am UK time on Wednesday for Iran to agree to a deal.
However, less than two hours before this deadline expired, Mr Trump announced he was suspending his threat to widen military operations against Iranian infrastructure. This suspension was conditional upon the strait reopening. The former president stated that Iran had submitted a ten-point proposal which provided "a workable basis on which to negotiate."
Pakistan's Mediation Role
This diplomatic breakthrough followed mediation efforts by Pakistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif revealed he had invited both Iranian and US officials to Islamabad for talks scheduled for Friday. Mr Trump acknowledged conversations with Pakistani leaders, including Prime Minister Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, who requested he hold off military action.
In a statement on his Truth Social platform, Mr Trump outlined the terms: "Subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks. This will be a double sided CEASEFIRE!"
Iran's Response and Regional Security
Iran's supreme national security council has confirmed its acceptance of the two-week ceasefire. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated, "If attacks against Iran are halted, our powerful armed forces will cease their defensive operations." He added that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be possible during this period via coordination with Iran's Armed Forces, acknowledging some technical limitations.
During his Gulf visit, Sir Keir is also expected to express gratitude to armed forces from the UK and allied nations operating in the region. According to Ministry of Defence figures, UK personnel have intercepted more than 110 drone attacks, while the RAF has conducted over 1,600 hours of defensive operations.
International Coordination
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper held discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday evening. They focused on international efforts and diplomatic means to reopen the vital shipping lane. The US State Department reported that both officials agreed on the necessity of coordinated international action to ensure shipping can move freely and global energy supplies reach markets without disruption.
Sir Keir articulated the UK's position clearly: "Together with our partners we must do all we can to support and sustain this ceasefire, turn it into a lasting agreement and reopen the Strait of Hormuz." This statement underscores the British government's commitment to diplomatic resolution and regional stability.
