{"id":35186,"date":"2026-04-11T07:44:30","date_gmt":"2026-04-11T04:44:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/?p=35186"},"modified":"2026-04-11T07:45:34","modified_gmt":"2026-04-11T04:45:34","slug":"uk-prime-minister-starmer-visits-gulf-states-coordinates-with-trump-on-reopening-strait-of-hormuz","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/uk-prime-minister-starmer-visits-gulf-states-coordinates-with-trump-on-reopening-strait-of-hormuz\/","title":{"rendered":"UK Prime Minister Starmer visits Gulf states, coordinates with Trump on reopening Strait of Hormuz"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>5 minute read<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>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.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Starmer said the conflict and its economic fallout would have lasting consequences, warning that it would \u201cdefine us for a generation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Doha, Starmer met Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, with talks described by Downing Street as \u201cproductive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The British leader \u201cunderlined the UK\u2019s solidarity with Qatar following Iran&#8217;s indefensible attacks and his gratitude for keeping UK nationals living in the country safe,\u201d according to an official statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Both sides reaffirmed security cooperation, noting that a joint UK-Qatar squadron of fighter jets had \u201cworked well together to defend the region in a time of need.\u201d<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">I was in the Middle East this week. Here\u2019s why. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/ZcJR1E4fcb\">pic.twitter.com\/ZcJR1E4fcb<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Keir_Starmer\/status\/2042656213347737711?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">April 10, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote> <script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p><br>\u201cThey affirmed their strong support for initiatives to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and for the principle of freedom of navigation,\u201d the statement said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Starmer emphasized that Gulf countries must play a central role in any lasting solution. \u201cThese 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong>Reopening Hormuz<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Starmer said the United Kingdom has brought together a coalition of more than 30 countries to develop a coordinated response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe&#8217;ve been pulling together a coalition of countries &#8230; working on a political, diplomatic plan, but also looking at military capabilities and &#8230; the logistics of actually moving vessels through the Strait,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/UK-Qatar-prime-ministers-meeting.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1016\" height=\"678\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/UK-Qatar-prime-ministers-meeting.jpg?resize=1016%2C678&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer meeting with Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani\" class=\"wp-image-35193\" style=\"width:840px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/UK-Qatar-prime-ministers-meeting.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/UK-Qatar-prime-ministers-meeting.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/UK-Qatar-prime-ministers-meeting.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/UK-Qatar-prime-ministers-meeting.jpg?resize=589%2C392&amp;ssl=1 589w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/UK-Qatar-prime-ministers-meeting.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1016px) 100vw, 1016px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><sup>UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer meeting with Qatar&#8217;s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, in Doha, Qatar, on April 10, 2026. (Image Credit: X\/@MofaQatar_EN)<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong>Phone call with Trump<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThey 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,\u201d a Downing Street spokesperson said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe leaders discussed the need for a practical plan to get shipping moving again as quickly as possible,\u201d Starmer said. The conversation included both diplomatic and military considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThat was the focus of the discussion last night\u2026 that focus on a practical plan in relation to navigation through the Strait,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Trump, meanwhile, issued a warning to Iran over reports it may impose tolls on vessels. \u201cThey better not be and, if they are, they better stop now,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/UK-Starmer-US-Trump.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1016\" height=\"678\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/UK-Starmer-US-Trump.jpg?resize=1016%2C678&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"U.S. President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer\" class=\"wp-image-30621\" style=\"width:840px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/UK-Starmer-US-Trump.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/UK-Starmer-US-Trump.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/UK-Starmer-US-Trump.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/UK-Starmer-US-Trump.jpg?resize=589%2C392&amp;ssl=1 589w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/UK-Starmer-US-Trump.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1016px) 100vw, 1016px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><sup>British Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House on February 27, 2025, in Washington, D.C., U.S. (Image Credit: Reuters\/Carl Court)<\/sup><\/em><br><br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><br><strong>Economic Impact and Domestic Pressure<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI&#8217;m fed up with the fact that families across the country see their bills go up and down on energy, businesses&#8217; bills go up and down on energy, because of the actions of [Vladimir Putin] or Trump across the world,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He argued that Britain must strengthen energy independence and resilience to avoid being exposed to external shocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong>Fragile Ceasefire and NATO Concerns<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although a ceasefire between the United States and Iran is in place, Starmer described it as \u201cfragile\u201d and warned that further escalation could quickly derail progress. He also reiterated opposition to ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThat should stop, that\u2019s my strong view,\u201d he said, adding: \u201cLet me be really clear about it: they\u2019re wrong.\u201d The comments reflect broader concerns that continued regional tensions could undermine efforts to stabilize maritime routes and restore trade flows.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Starmer-at-RAF-Akrotiri.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"530\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Starmer-at-RAF-Akrotiri.jpg?resize=900%2C530&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at RAF Akrotiri\" class=\"wp-image-34512\" style=\"width:840px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Starmer-at-RAF-Akrotiri.jpg?w=900&amp;ssl=1 900w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Starmer-at-RAF-Akrotiri.jpg?resize=300%2C177&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Starmer-at-RAF-Akrotiri.jpg?resize=768%2C452&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><sup>British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at RAF Akrotiri in December 2024. (Image Credit: UK Ministry of Defence)<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Starmer reaffirmed Britain\u2019s commitment to the alliance, calling it essential for long-term security. \u201cNATO is a defensive alliance which, for decades, has kept us much safer than we would otherwise have been,\u201d he said. At the same time, he acknowledged that European countries must increase their own contributions to collective defense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During his tour, Starmer signaled that the focus will now shift from diplomacy to implementation, particularly on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. \u201cThere\u2019s a real desire on their part to work more closely with us on defense resilience, on economic resilience,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":35195,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[62,44,1],"tags":[99,211,75,152,203,30,97,101,702,141,61,365,128],"class_list":["post-35186","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-europe","category-middle-east","category-news","tag-bahrain","tag-britain","tag-conflict","tag-energy","tag-gulf","tag-iran","tag-qatar","tag-saudi-arabia","tag-trump","tag-uae","tag-uk","tag-united-kingdom","tag-war"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/UK-Starmer-Saudi-Crown-Prince-Salman.jpg?fit=690%2C370&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7jJWb-99w","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35186","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35186"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35186\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":35194,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35186\/revisions\/35194"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/35195"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35186"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35186"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35186"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}