Prime Minister Keir Starmer's statement supporting US President Donald Trump's proposed peace deal with Iran has faced sharp criticism during a live television debate on Monday. Political commentator Paul Cox described the Prime Minister's response as lacking strength during a heated exchange on GB News.
Starmer's Statement on the Iran Deal
Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the agreement between the United States and Iran, calling it a major step towards ending the conflict and restoring regional stability. In a statement, he said: "I warmly welcome today's agreement reached between the United States and Iran. This is a hugely important step forward in ending the war, ensuring regional stability, and re-opening the Strait of Hormuz."
He congratulated President Trump and mediators from Pakistan, Qatar, and others who contributed to the breakthrough. Starmer emphasized the need to fully implement the memorandum of understanding to ensure the Strait remains open and that nuclear agreement details are finalized.
Criticism from Paul Cox
Speaking to GB News presenter Will Kingston, political commentator Paul Cox was critical of the Prime Minister's position. He said: "It feels very weak. I want us to be on the front foot. Of course we're not America, we're not the biggest military in the world. But we have an opportunity to align ourselves with the biggest military in the world and we didn't do so over the past three or more months."
Cox's comments came as details of the proposed deal remain unpublished. Questions persist over how any memorandum would prevent clashes between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah along the Lebanese border, and how guarantees for the Strait of Hormuz and restrictions on Iran's nuclear programme would be monitored and enforced.
Trump's Announcement
Donald Trump indicated the Strait of Hormuz could reopen following the signing of the agreement between Washington and Tehran on Friday. Writing on Truth Social, the US President said: "This Great Deal will bring Peace and Security to the whole Region. Many presidents have tried to make Peace with Iran, and all have failed before me."
He added that with the opening of the Strait upon signing the deal, oil will flow on both ends for the region and the world. French President Emmanuel Macron also signalled that the future of the Strait of Hormuz will be high on the agenda when G7 leaders meet in Evian this week.
UK's Position on Iran's Nuclear Programme
Reiterating the UK's long-standing position, Starmer said: "For any peace to endure, it is essential that the commitments made, particularly in relation to Iran's nuclear programme, are robust, verifiable, and fully implemented. It remains the UK's firm and longstanding position that Iran must never have a nuclear weapon."
The Prime Minister stressed the economic importance of restoring access through the Strait of Hormuz, saying toll-free freedom of navigation must be restored to ease severe economic impacts felt for several months on families in the UK and around the world.
