Keir Starmer rebuffed Donald Trump’s aggressive threat to block the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the UK’s stance on keeping the crucial shipping passage open rather than closed. The Prime Minister clarified that the UK does not support the blockade and is committed to ensuring the full openness of the Strait.
During a recent visit to the Gulf region for discussions on maintaining the vital shipping route, the PM reiterated that the UK is not aligning itself with the Iran conflict. Collaborating with France, the UK will co-host a summit to strategize long-term measures for safeguarding shipping in the Strait.
In an interview with BBC Radio 5, Mr. Starmer highlighted the importance of keeping the Strait open for navigation to prevent disruptions in the supply of oil and gas, which directly impacts energy prices. He expressed the necessity of stabilizing and lowering energy bills by ensuring the continuous operation of the Strait.
Addressing questions about supporting a US military blockade, the PM emphasized the UK’s focus on reopening the Strait entirely, aiming to decrease energy costs promptly and mitigate the war’s repercussions on UK citizens. The upcoming UK-France-led summit will concentrate on formulating a multinational plan to protect shipping in the Strait post-conflict.
In response to Trump’s announcement of a US Navy blockade, the PM condemned the action and stressed the need to restore freedom of navigation in the region. The ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz has led to increased gas prices, further emphasizing the urgency of resolving the conflict to resume normal shipping operations.
Efforts led by the PM to reopen the blockaded Strait of Hormuz, a critical conduit for a significant portion of global oil transportation, are part of European initiatives to mitigate the impact of the conflict. Despite attempts at a US-Iran ceasefire to reopen the Strait, challenges have emerged, resulting in a surge in gas prices due to the continued closure of the passage.