Keir Starmer and Donald Trump engaged in a discussion today following Trump’s call for Britain to deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz in response to Iranian threats. Trump expressed hope that multiple countries, including the UK, China, France, Japan, and South Korea, would contribute warships to safeguard the vital waterway responsible for 20% of global oil transit.
During their conversation, Starmer emphasized the significance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz to mitigate disruptions in global shipping that are causing increased costs worldwide. The ongoing situation in the Middle East was also a focal point of their discussion.
In light of these developments, the UK is contemplating deploying minehunting drones to secure the strategic shipping route. Iran’s Foreign Ministry warned that any UK involvement in protecting the strait would be considered complicit in aggression and met with a response from Iran.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed ongoing discussions with allies and partners to ensure the safety of shipping in the region, exploring various security options for the Strait of Hormuz. Trump advocated for a collaborative effort in a series of posts on Truth Social, highlighting the need for unity and cooperation among nations for peace and security.
In response, Iran’s foreign minister criticized Trump’s appeal for assistance, characterizing the US’s security efforts as inadequate and inviting potential trouble in the region. The minister called on neighboring countries to expel foreign forces, particularly singling out Israel as a concern.
