Starmer to visit Middle East after US and Iran reach ceasefire deal
Starmer to visit Middle East after US and Iran reach ceasefire deal
Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed approval for the US-Iran ceasefire deal as he concluded meetings with Gulf nation representatives. According to Downing Street, his focus will be on “coordinating diplomatic initiatives to reinforce and maintain the agreement,” which he aims to translate into a permanent resolution. The visit concludes on Friday, following a week of regional discussions.
“I welcome the ceasefire agreement reached overnight, which will bring a moment of relief to the region and the world,” Starmer stated during his press briefing on Wednesday.
The truce follows President Donald Trump’s earlier warning that “a whole civilisation will die” unless Iran halted hostilities and cleared the Strait of Hormuz. This statement prompted renewed calls for de-escalation from British officials. Starmer emphasized the need to “work with allies to sustain this ceasefire and restore energy flow through the critical waterway,” adding that long-term stability depends on such efforts.
“A whole civilisation will die” if Iran does not end the war and unblock the Strait of Hormuz, Trump declared, escalating tensions before the deal.
The conflict originated in February when the US and Israel executed coordinated strikes on Iran, citing fears of nuclear advancements. In retaliation, Iran launched attacks across Gulf states and the broader Middle East. The nation also imposed a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for approximately 20% of global oil transportation.
