UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed on Friday, April 10, that he held discussions with Donald Trump regarding plans to safely resume shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The conversation, which took place a day earlier, centered on both military readiness and the practical steps needed to escort commercial vessels through the key global trade route. The talks come at a time when a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran has raised cautious hopes for restoring movement in the region.
Speaking during his visit to the Gulf, Starmer stressed the importance of international cooperation to guarantee safe and uninterrupted navigation. He explained that the UK is actively working with multiple countries to form a coordinated response that combines diplomatic efforts with security measures.
According to Starmer, a major focus of his discussion with Trump was the logistics involved in moving ships through the Strait, which has largely remained inactive despite the ceasefire announcement.
“We are bringing together a coalition of partners,” he said. “This includes political and diplomatic planning, as well as reviewing military capabilities to ensure vessels can move safely through the Strait.”
The Prime Minister’s tour of the Gulf—covering Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Qatar—is aimed at strengthening the ceasefire agreement and encouraging stability in the region. However, he acknowledged that the situation remains delicate.
Meanwhile, Trump has publicly warned Iran against imposing any form of charges on vessels passing through the waterway. He emphasized that global oil shipments must resume without delay, calling for unrestricted access to the route.
Starmer echoed similar concerns, stating that keeping the Strait open without tolls is essential for stabilizing global energy markets and ensuring steady supply chains.
When questioned about NATO-related discussions, Starmer avoided direct comment on recent U.S. remarks but reaffirmed the alliance’s significance. He described NATO as a long-standing defensive partnership that continues to play a key role in maintaining international security.
In recent developments, the UK hosted military planners from more than 40 nations to coordinate efforts aimed at protecting vital shipping lanes. As the current ceasefire window continues, both London and Washington have agreed to maintain close communication in pursuit of a more permanent solution for the region.
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