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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Friday, April 10, that he discussed military capabilities and the logistics of escorting vessels through the Strait of Hormuz during a conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump a day earlier.
The talks focused on developing a practical plan to restore shipping through the vital waterway following a fragile ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran. Speaking during a visit to the Gulf, Starmer stressed the need for a coordinated international response to guarantee freedom of navigation.
Starmer said the UK has been working to assemble a coalition of countries to pursue both diplomatic and military strategies for the region. He noted that discussions with Trump centered on how to safely move commercial vessels through the Strait, which remains largely at a standstill despite the cessation of hostilities.
“We’ve been pulling together a coalition of countries… working on a political, diplomatic plan, but also looking at military capabilities and the logistics of actually moving vessels through the Strait,” Starmer said. “That was the focus of the discussion last night—a practical plan for navigation.”
The Prime Minister’s Gulf tour—which included stops in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Qatar—aimed to reinforce the two-week ceasefire. Starmer acknowledged that although reopening the Strait is part of the agreement, the situation remains “fragile.”
Trump has recently warned Iran against imposing fees or tolls on vessels passing through the waterway, insisting that oil shipments must resume immediately. Starmer echoed that position, stressing the need for “toll-free navigation” to help stabilise global energy prices.
Asked whether the conversation touched on U.S. rhetoric regarding NATO, Starmer did not give a direct response but reaffirmed the alliance’s importance. He described NATO as a defensive alliance that has helped maintain security for decades, adding that its continued strength is in the interest of both Europe and the United States.
The UK recently hosted military planners from more than 40 countries to coordinate efforts to protect shipping routes. As the two-week ceasefire window continues, London and Washington have agreed to remain in close contact in pursuit of a lasting resolution in the region.
