IRIA News

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrapped up a three-day tour of Gulf states with a series of high-level meetings focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, as regional tensions continue despite a fragile ceasefire in the Iran war.

The visit included stops in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Qatar, centered on restoring maritime security, strengthening defense cooperation, and coordinating a joint response to ongoing instability in the region.

Starmer said the conflict and its economic fallout would have lasting consequences, warning that it would “define us for a generation.”

In Doha, Starmer met Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, with talks described by Downing Street as “productive.”

The British leader “underlined the UK’s solidarity with Qatar following Iran’s indefensible attacks and his gratitude for keeping UK nationals living in the country safe,” according to an official statement.

Both sides reaffirmed security cooperation, noting that a joint UK-Qatar squadron of fighter jets had “worked well together to defend the region in a time of need.”

I was in the Middle East this week. Here’s why. pic.twitter.com/ZcJR1E4fcb

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) April 10, 2026

“They affirmed their strong support for initiatives to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and for the principle of freedom of navigation,” the statement said.

Starmer emphasized that Gulf countries must play a central role in any lasting solution. “These Gulf states are the neighbors of Iran, and therefore, if the ceasefire is to hold, and we hope it will, it has to involve them,” he said.

Reopening Hormuz

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz since the start of the Iran conflict has disrupted global shipping, including oil and fertilizer supplies, contributing to rising fuel and food prices.

Starmer said the United Kingdom has brought together a coalition of more than 30 countries to develop a coordinated response.

“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,” he said.

British defense officials have indicated that military planners are working closely with U.S. counterparts, with options including naval deployments and mine-clearing operations to secure safe passage.

Phone call with Trump

During the visit, Starmer held a call with U.S. President Donald Trump, where discussions focused on practical steps to restore navigation through the waterway.

“They agreed that now there is a ceasefire in place and agreement to open the strait, we are at the next stage of finding a resolution,” a Downing Street spokesperson said.

“The leaders discussed the need for a practical plan to get shipping moving again as quickly as possible,” Starmer said. The conversation included both diplomatic and military considerations.

“That was the focus of the discussion last night… that focus on a practical plan in relation to navigation through the Strait,” he said.

Trump, meanwhile, issued a warning to Iran over reports it may impose tolls on vessels. “They better not be and, if they are, they better stop now,” he said.

Economic Impact and Domestic Pressure

The disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has had direct economic consequences in the United Kingdom, particularly through volatile energy prices. Starmer voiced frustration over the impact on households and businesses.

“I’m fed up with the fact that families across the country see their bills go up and down on energy, businesses’ bills go up and down on energy, because of the actions of [Vladimir Putin] or Trump across the world,” he said.

He argued that Britain must strengthen energy independence and resilience to avoid being exposed to external shocks.

Fragile Ceasefire and NATO Concerns

Although a ceasefire between the United States and Iran is in place, Starmer described it as “fragile” and warned that further escalation could quickly derail progress. He also reiterated opposition to ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon.

“That should stop, that’s my strong view,” he said, adding: “Let me be really clear about it: they’re wrong.” The comments reflect broader concerns that continued regional tensions could undermine efforts to stabilize maritime routes and restore trade flows.

The Gulf visit also comes amid wider uncertainty over transatlantic security. Trump has repeatedly criticized European allies and raised the possibility of withdrawing from NATO.

Starmer reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to the alliance, calling it essential for long-term security. “NATO is a defensive alliance which, for decades, has kept us much safer than we would otherwise have been,” he said. At the same time, he acknowledged that European countries must increase their own contributions to collective defense.

During his tour, Starmer signaled that the focus will now shift from diplomacy to implementation, particularly on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. “There’s a real desire on their part to work more closely with us on defense resilience, on economic resilience,” he said.

For now, restoring safe passage through the waterway remains the immediate priority, with coordination between regional states, European partners, and the United States expected to determine how quickly global shipping can return to normal.