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Sir Keir Starmer has expressed his approval of the recently reached ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States as he travels through the Gulf to engage with regional leaders. The Prime Minister’s visit aims to reinforce diplomatic measures supporting and maintaining the ceasefire, with his return to the United Kingdom scheduled for Friday.
According to No 10, Starmer plans to focus discussions on sustaining the fragile peace. The ceasefire follows heightened tensions after former US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning, stating that “a whole civilisation will die” if Iran did not cease hostilities and reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. These remarks prompted a renewed call from Downing Street for de-escalation in the conflict.
In his comments, Sir Keir welcomed the ceasefire, noting, “I welcome the ceasefire agreement reached overnight, which will bring a moment of relief to the region and the world.” He emphasized the importance of international cooperation to uphold the ceasefire and transform it into a lasting resolution, adding, “Together with our partners we must do all we can to support and sustain this ceasefire, turn it into a lasting agreement and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.” During his trip to the Gulf, Starmer is also set to meet with British military personnel stationed in the area, a visit that was arranged prior to the ceasefire announcement.
From the perspective of the Conservative Party, shadow housing secretary Sir James Cleverly remarked on the ceasefire as an opportunity for Iran to reconsider its domestic and international policies. Reflecting on the origins of the conflict, former foreign secretary Sir James pointed out that the war was initiated to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, an objective he described as an “absolute priority.” While welcoming the two-week ceasefire, he urged that this period not be squandered. Recent diplomatic efforts include a virtual summit hosted by the UK last week, involving representatives from over 40 nations working to form a coalition dedicated to securing the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities conclude, followed by a military planning meeting on Tuesday.
The ceasefire agreement between Iran and the US was reached on Tuesday, mere moments before the deadline set by Trump for Iran to comply. Trump later posted on Truth Social that the ceasefire was contingent on Iran ensuring the “COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed Iran’s willingness to cease fire “if attacks against Iran are halted,” adding, “For a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible.” The conflict began in February when coordinated attacks by the US and Israel targeted Iran over concerns about its nuclear ambitions. Iran responded with missile strikes across neighboring countries in the Gulf and the broader Middle East, while tightening control over the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping channel responsible for transporting approximately one-fifth of the world’s energy supplies. The ongoing hostilities caused crude oil prices to surge, triggering sharp rises in fuel costs and amplifying fears about increased living expenses globally
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