London: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has begun a visit to Gulf countries to push for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil routes, following a recent pause in fighting between the United States and Iran.
The trip comes at a time when tensions in the region have slightly eased after a temporary ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. However, the situation remains fragile, with concerns that the conflict could escalate again if talks fail.
During his visit, Starmer is expected to meet Gulf leaders to discuss ways to ensure safe navigation through the strait and restore the steady flow of oil and gas shipments. The route carries nearly one fifth of the world’s oil supply, making its closure a major concern for global energy markets.
The recent disruption has left a large number of oil tankers stranded and caused a sharp rise in oil prices, affecting economies around the world. Efforts are now underway to clear the backlog of ships and stabilise the situation.
Donald Trump has said the United States will help ease congestion in the waterway and ensure that shipping can resume safely. At the same time, Washington has maintained pressure on Iran, warning that further action could be taken if tensions rise again.
Unlike the more forceful stance from the US, the United Kingdom is focusing on diplomacy. Starmer’s visit aims to turn the current temporary ceasefire into a longer lasting agreement and to build cooperation among regional and global powers.
The crisis has also revealed divisions at the international level, with major powers disagreeing on how to respond. This has made diplomatic efforts more complex and urgent.
For now, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz remains uncertain, but ongoing talks are seen as a crucial step toward restoring stability in the region and protecting global energy supplies.