Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the UK, has stated that the country has a responsibility to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, as reports from Iran indicated that this crucial maritime route had been closed again shortly after a supposed ceasefire was established.
During his visit to an airbase in Taif, Saudi Arabia, Starmer engaged with UK and local personnel, marking the beginning of a broader trip to Gulf nations. This journey is seen as parallel to his endeavors to formulate a strategy for a ceasefire in Ukraine.
UK officials have characterized this visit as supportive of the ongoing negotiations mediated by Pakistan between the US and Iran. Observers in the Gulf region may perceive Starmer as a more stable and dependable ally compared to a US administration led by Donald Trump.
The ceasefire was announced just an hour before a deadline imposed by the US president, who had warned that Iran’s entire civilization would face dire consequences if it failed to comply with US demands. Among the provisions of the ceasefire was the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and Starmer’s mission aimed to expand upon a UK-led assembly of military strategists that convened on Tuesday to discuss practical steps for achieving this goal.
However, Iranian news outlet Fars reported that oil tankers traversing the strait had been obstructed once more due to what it labeled as a breach of the ceasefire by Israel, which has escalated its offensive in Lebanon.
Later on Wednesday, Starmer was scheduled to meet with Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. Discussions during his Gulf visit are anticipated to address matters such as mitigating the threat of Iranian mines and ensuring the insurance of tankers that rely on the strait as a vital passage.
A UK official remarked, “There are numerous practical considerations involved, and given the current circumstances, many factors are in play. This is not a situation that can be resolved instantly.”
Addressing journalists at the King Fahd airbase earlier, Starmer acknowledged a sense of relief regarding the ceasefire but emphasized that it was “early days” for restoring full shipping operations.
“People in the UK will want reassurance that this ceasefire is sustainable. It is our responsibility to collaborate with regional partners not just to halt hostilities but also to ensure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz,” he stated. “The effect on our energy prices has been noticeable over the past 39 days, and we must ensure the strait remains open to facilitate the global energy supply and stabilize prices back in the UK.”
Starmer has faced criticism from Trump during the conflict for his refusal to endorse the initial US-Israeli strikes on Iran and for permitting US forces to utilize UK airbases solely for defensive operations, such as targeting Iranian missile installations.
On Wednesday, Starmer reaffirmed his commitment to keeping the UK out of the war, stating, “We have always acted in collective self-defense, but my primary duty is to safeguard UK lives, which is what we have been doing here, while also protecting our national interests to facilitate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.”
The Prime Minister has not disclosed his itinerary for the remainder of the visit, nor is it clear which other Gulf nations he plans to visit after Saudi Arabia.
“The ceasefire is certainly a positive development, but we must ensure that the Strait of Hormuz is completely operational, as this will significantly affect the public back home,” a government source commented, comparing Starmer’s role to his efforts in assembling the coalition of nations that supported peace initiatives in Ukraine. “This visit also represents the first chance for the Prime Minister to engage with allies in the region and demonstrate our solidarity.”
