Prime Minister Keir Starmer is heading to the Middle East on Wednesday (8 April) amid a fragile new ceasefire, spearheading an international effort to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and prevent further disruption to global energy supplies following weeks of conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
The UK government announced the trip as Starmer seeks to meet frontline Gulf partners and regional leaders to bolster the overnight ceasefire agreement, which has brought tentative relief to a region battered by escalation.
In an accompanying statement, Starmer welcomed the pause in hostilities. “I welcome the ceasefire agreement reached overnight, which will bring a moment of relief to the region and the world.
“Together with our partners we must do all we can to support and sustain this ceasefire, turn it into a lasting agreement and re-open the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.
The narrow waterway between Iran and Oman serves as a chokepoint for roughly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments in normal times.
Iran’s de facto blockade during the recent fighting, marked by attacks on commercial vessels and threats to shipping, has trapped vessels, driven up global energy prices, and rattled economies far beyond the Middle East, affecting everything from fuel costs to fertiliser supplies and food prices.
UK convenes broad coalition
Last week, the UK brought together more than 40 countries for talks on restoring freedom of navigation.
A follow-up military planning meeting hosted by Britain occurred on Tuesday. Participants include European nations such as France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands, as well as allies from Asia (Japan, South Korea, Australia), North America (Canada), the Gulf (United Arab Emirates, Bahrain), and others, including Nigeria, Panama, and New Zealand.
Notably, the United States has not participated directly in these sessions.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has chaired virtual discussions emphasising diplomatic, political, and economic measures rather than direct military confrontation.
The coalition has explored coordinated pressure on Iran, including potential sanctions, while preparing plans for safe passage once fighting fully subsides.
Starmer has stressed that reopening the strait “will not be easy” and will require “a united front of military strength and diplomatic activity” in partnership with the shipping industry.
The initiative builds on a joint statement issued in March by multiple nations condemning Iranian attacks on civilian infrastructure and commercial shipping, and committing to “appropriate efforts” to ensure safe passage.
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