UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, amid the near-end of his Gulf trip, called the Iran conflict definitive for a whole generation and proposed the concept of “collective self-defence” with leaders of the Gulf states.
“This conflict is going to define us for a generation and we must respond, and we will respond, with strength,” Starmer said, explaining that he discussed the concept of “collective self-defence” with leaders of the Gulf states, according to BBC.
He said that most of his discussions with senior officials from GCC nations revolved around a “practical plan” for allowing vessels passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Critical for global energy flows, the waterway typically controls the passage of around 20 per cent of the world’s total gas and oil supplies, accounting for a fifth of the total flow, though it has been almost completely shut by Tehran since the war.
Additionally, the Islamic Republic has warned against any passage through the waterway, warning of military action against vessels unless they have clearance from Iran, leading to maritime traffic along the route being all but suspended.
On Thursday night, Starmer held a call with US President Donald Trump, where, as per Downing Street, the two leaders discussed the current ceasefire agreement, as well as the need “for a practical plan to get shipping moving” through the Strait of Hormuz, in order to end the global disruptions in energy flows and soaring inflation among markets.
Offering his comments on the ceasefire, Starmer said that it is “fragile”, and told reporters “there can’t be tolling or restrictions on that navigation” through the Strait of Hormuz as part of any long-term peace deal in the region.
