Starmer to visit Middle East after US and Iran reach ceasefire deal
Starmer to visit Middle East after US and Iran reach ceasefire deal
Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed support for the recent ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran during his trip to Gulf nations. The deal was announced on Tuesday, just minutes before the deadline set by former President Donald Trump for Iran to comply. Starmer will conclude his visit in the UK on Friday, focusing on diplomatic strategies to maintain the pause in hostilities.
“I welcome the ceasefire agreement reached overnight, which will bring a moment of relief to the region and the world,” Starmer stated to journalists. He emphasized the need for collaboration with allies to transform the temporary truce into a permanent arrangement and restore the Strait of Hormuz to full operation.
The breakthrough follows Trump’s earlier threat to “a whole civilisation will die” if Iran did not agree to end the conflict and clear the Strait of Hormuz. This prompted Downing Street to urge further de-escalation. The agreement, however, includes conditions, with the US requiring Iran to fully open the waterway for safe passage.
“For a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible,” said Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who stated the country would accept the ceasefire “if attacks against Iran are halted.”
The conflict began in February when the US and Israel executed coordinated strikes on Iran, targeting its nuclear program. In response, Iran retaliated by launching attacks across the Gulf and the broader Middle East, effectively blocking the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic chokehold caused a significant surge in crude oil prices, driving up costs for petrol and diesel globally and raising concerns about household expenses worldwide.
