Starmer discusses importance of reopening Strait of Hormuz with Trump

London — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with US President Donald Trump on the evening of 15 March to discuss the situation in the Middle East and the disruption to global shipping caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

In the conversation, Starmer emphasised the importance of reopening the strategic waterway to help restore normal shipping routes and dampen rising global costs, according to a statement from 10 Downing Street.

The two leaders agreed to maintain close communication regarding developments in the region.

UK Energy Minister Ed Miliband earlier on the same Sunday stated that ending the ongoing conflict represents “the best and most conclusive way” to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic narrow passage through which approximately one-fifth of global oil demand flows, whilst warning that the situation was damaging the global economy.

“The surge in oil and gas prices that we are witnessing is caused by the closure of the Strait,” Miliband told the British media.

Britain wishes to work with its allies to reopen the Strait, Miliband added.

Trump on Saturday 14 March said on social media that “many countries” would send warships to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open, without providing further details.

On 28 February, Israel and the United States launched a combined attack on Tehran and other cities in Iran, which killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, senior military commanders, and more than 1,300 civilians.

Iran responded by launching waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli and US bases and assets across the Middle East. As the attacks entered their third week, and with the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, disruptions to energy markets and the global economy became increasingly severe.

In his first message as Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei promised to maintain influence over the Strait of Hormuz.