Starmer and Trump agree to push reopening of Strait of Hormuz
Mar 23rd 2026 · United Kingdom
Sir Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump discussed plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after Iran effectively blocked the waterway, a disruption that has cut shipping sharply and driven up global fuel prices.
- Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump agreed in a call that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is essential to stabilise global energy markets.
- Traffic through the strait has slowed by about 95% since fighting began on 28 February and normally carries about 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas.
- Global crude prices have risen roughly 45% to about $106 a barrel amid the disruption to shipping.
- Starmer will chair a Cobra meeting on Monday with the Bank of England governor and senior ministers to discuss energy security, the cost of living and supply chain impacts.
- Iran has effectively blocked the strait since the attacks on 28 February and has warned of retaliation to US threats to strike Iranian sites.
- The UK has authorised US use of British bases to launch strikes on Iranian targets linked to the strait, expanding prior permission that allowed only defensive operations.