UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has revealed that the nation is in discussions with international allies to establish a plan aimed at reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized that this undertaking does not include the NATO military alliance.
In a press conference held at 10 Downing Street, Starmer mentioned that the condition of this essential oil transportation route had been a topic of conversation with former US President Donald Trump. Iran has essentially closed this waterway amid the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East. Starmer highlighted the efforts of the UK and its partners to ensure the restoration of safe passage through the strait.
He stated, “We’re collaborating with all our allies, which include our European partners, to put together a feasible collective plan that can reinstate freedom of navigation in the area as swiftly as possible and alleviate economic repercussions.”
However, Starmer made it clear that this operation would not operate under NATO’s auspices. He affirmed, “Let me be clear, that won’t be and it’s never been envisioned to be a NATO mission.”
Starmer explained that the effort would consist of a coalition of willing partners. “This will need to be an alliance of partners, which is why we’re cooperating with partners from Europe, the Gulf, and the United States,” he added.
His comments followed Trump’s warnings that NATO could suffer severe consequences if U.S. allies do not assist in securing this vital shipping lane. Trump remarked, “It’s only fitting that the nations benefiting from the Strait should help ensure its safety.”
Starmer also stressed that the UK aims to avoid further entanglement in the broader conflict. He indicated that the UK is “taking essential measures to defend ourselves and our allies,” but reaffirmed that Britain “will not be pulled into the wider war.”
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