Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain will not join a wider war involving Iran. However, he stressed that allies must cooperate to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The situation matters because the route carries major global oil shipments affecting energy prices worldwide.
Speaking at a press conference in London, Starmer said restoring navigation through the waterway remains the only way to stabilise global energy markets. He acknowledged that reopening the strait would be difficult and require coordinated action. Britain is currently consulting partners across Europe, the Gulf region, and the United States to form a workable collective plan.
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Meanwhile, Donald Trump criticised Starmer for initially refusing to support US-Israeli strikes on Tehran. Trump suggested that Britain and several allied countries should send naval forces to the region. In response, Starmer said he recently spoke with Trump and described their discussion as constructive between two allies.
Starmer also announced emergency financial support for households facing rising heating oil prices. The government introduced a 53-million-pound package to help vulnerable families manage higher energy costs. Oil prices surged above $100 per barrel after tensions disrupted shipping routes in the region.
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The Strait of Hormuz lies between Iran and Oman and carries about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. Britain recently withdrew its last minehunter vessel but still maintains autonomous mine-hunting systems nearby. Officials say the UK and its partners are now reviewing available assets to restore freedom of navigation quickly.