Keir Starmer spoke with Donald Trump about the growing Middle East crisis during a phone call on Sunday evening.
In particular, the two leaders discussed the urgent need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway is one of the world’s most important shipping routes. Around 20% of global oil passes through it.
According to Downing Street, the leaders focused on the “ongoing situation in the Middle East.” They also stressed the importance of restoring shipping through the strait.
Officials warn that continued disruption could push global costs higher. As a result, businesses and consumers could face rising prices. Earlier, Trump urged allied nations to help secure the shipping route. He shared the message on Truth Social.
Trump said he hoped several countries would join the effort. These included the UK, China, France, Japan and South Korea. He argued that countries receiving oil through the strait should help protect it.
Meanwhile, the UK is considering sending mine-hunting drones to the region. The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed discussions with international partners. Officials said they are exploring several options to protect shipping in the area.
However, Iran strongly criticised the proposal. Esmail Baghaei, spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, warned against British involvement.
He said any UK participation would count as “complicity in the crime of aggression.” He also warned that Iran would respond if foreign forces intervened in the waterway.
At the same time, Trump continued to push for international cooperation. He described the operation as a “team effort.” Nevertheless, Iranian leaders rejected the idea. Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, mocked the US for seeking help.
Writing on X, he claimed the American security umbrella was “full of holes.” He also accused Washington of bringing further instability to the region. The Strait of Hormuz remains strategically vital. It sits between Iran and Oman.
The passage connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea. As tensions rise, Western governments now face difficult decisions. They must decide whether to increase their military presence in the region.
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