London, United Kingdom. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain would not be drawn into a wider war in Iran but would work with allies, including European partners, to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He said restoring navigation through the waterway was important for stabilising energy markets.
Push to restore navigation
Starmer said reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for oil and liquefied natural gas, was necessary to “ensure stability in the (oil) market,” while acknowledging it would not be easy. He said Britain was working with allies to develop a collective plan to restore freedom of navigation as quickly as possible and ease the economic impact.
Domestic pressure and U.S. calls
Starmer has faced pressure from critics at home and from U.S. President Donald Trump over what support to provide for the strikes on Iran. Trump said at the weekend he wanted allies including China, France, Japan, South Korea, Britain and others to send ships to the area to keep the Strait open and safe.
Support package for vulnerable households
Starmer announced a 53-million-pound ($70.30 million) package for the most vulnerable households that rely on heating oil, which he said had spiked after the launch of the conflict.
Strategic importance of the strait
About a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage between Iran and Oman. Tehran’s ability to stop shipping through the channel could give it leverage over the United States and its allies.
What impact do you think any prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could have on household energy costs where you live?