UK, US leaders discuss resumption of shipping in Strait of Hormuz

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump held a phone call Thursday, during which they discussed efforts to restore maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz following a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran.

Starmer called Trump from Qatar, where he has been meeting with Gulf leaders and military planners, according to a statement from Downing Street.

During the talks, Starmer outlined discussions held in the region on the importance of restoring freedom of navigation in the strait as well as efforts by the UK to bring together international partners to agree on a workable plan.

According to the statement, the two leaders agreed that following the ceasefire and an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, attention should now shift to the next stage of securing a lasting resolution.

They also discussed the need for a practical plan to resume shipping through the strait as soon as possible.

Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact and to speak again soon, the statement added.

The region has been on alert since Israel and the US launched an offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, killing at least 3,000 people, including the former supreme leader.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure and disrupting global markets and aviation.

Trump announced a two-week ceasefire Tuesday, saying Iran presented a “workable” 10-point proposal, while negotiations are expected to determine whether a longer-term agreement can be reached.