LONDON – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer embarked on a diplomatic mission to the Gulf on April 8, 2026, aiming to solidify a fragile US-Iran ceasefire and reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping route.
The visit, planned prior to the overnight truce announcement by US President Donald Trump, seeks discussions with regional allies on upholding the ceasefire and restoring freedom of navigation through the strait, crucial for global oil and gas trade. Starmer, criticized by Trump for not backing US and Israeli strikes on Iran, emphasized urgency: “Together with our partners we must… turn it into a lasting agreement and re-open the Strait of Hormuz.”
Speaking in Saudi Arabia, he noted “still a lot of work to do” amid 39 days of tensions, pledging to minimize economic fallout. The three-day trip underscores UK’s commitment to de-escalation and protecting global markets.
