United States President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a phone conversation to address the growing oil crisis caused by Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, The Standard UK reports. Downing Street confirmed that the discussion focused on reopening the strategic waterway, which links the Persian Gulf to the global market, after Tehran reportedly stopped hundreds of tankers from passing.
A No. 10 spokesperson said, “The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the United States Donald Trump this evening. The leaders discussed the ongoing situation in the Middle East and the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz to end the disruption to global shipping, which is driving up costs worldwide.”
Britain’s Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, told the BBC that the UK is coordinating with allies following a US request for countries including Britain, China, France, Japan, and South Korea to help restore oil shipments through the strait. He emphasized the urgency, noting that about a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes through this route.
Diplomatic engagement remains the UK’s priority, Miliband said, adding that de-escalation is the simplest way to resolve the crisis. However, he also indicated that Britain could provide military support if necessary, including deploying mine-hunting drones.
Iran has warned against foreign military involvement, with Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei stating that participation in a US-led maritime mission would be considered “complicity in the crime of aggression” and would provoke a response. He clarified, however, that Iran is not at war with the UK.
Tensions in the strait have heightened global concern, as more than a dozen tankers have reportedly come under fire while attempting to pass since the blockade began, raising fears of wider disruption to global oil markets.
