Mirian Gom 
Prime Minister Keir Starmer
LONDON – Britain is working with international partners to develop a plan to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, Prime Minister Keir Starmer says.
The narrow waterway, one of the world’s most important oil transport routes, has been effectively closed by Iran during the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Speaking at Downing Street on Monday, Starmer says the United Kingdom is coordinating with allies to restore freedom of navigation in the region.
“We’re working with all of our allies, including our European partners, to bring together a viable collective plan that can restore freedom of navigation in the region as quickly as possible,” he tells reporters.
The British leader confirms he has discussed the crisis with Donald Trump, the President of the United States.
Global markets are closely watching developments in the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.
Starmer says the proposed strategy will involve cooperation among partners in Europe, the Gulf region and Washington.
However, he rules out direct involvement by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
“Let me be clear — that won’t be and it’s never been envisioned to be a NATO mission,” he says.
The comments come after Trump warns the alliance faces “a very bad future” if countries benefiting from the shipping route fail to help secure it.
Despite the tensions, Starmer emphasises that Britain is seeking to prevent further escalation.
“While we will take the necessary action to defend ourselves and our allies, we will not be drawn into the wider war,” he says.
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Koko Maxwella