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Keir Starmer Rules Out Wider War in Iran, Focuses on Reopening Strait of Hormuz
PM Keir Starmer says Britain will not enter a wider war in Iran but will work with allies on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while shielding citizens from rising energy costs.
ND
by News Desk
2026-03-16
Keir Starmer Rules Out Wider War in Iran, Focuses on Reopening Strait of Hormuz

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday confirmed that the United Kingdom will not be drawn into a wider war in Iran, while emphasizing efforts with allies to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies.

At a press conference aimed at reassuring the public over rising energy costs, Starmer justified Britain’s decision to abstain from participating in the initial US-Israeli strikes on Iran, a stance criticized by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who called Starmer “no Churchill.”

“Ultimately, we have to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to ensure stability in the oil market. That is not a simple task,” Starmer said, stressing that any military or logistical intervention would need broad agreement among international partners.

International Response

While Trump suggested that Britain, China, France, Japan, and South Korea send warships to the strait, several countries have declined involvement. Japan, Australia, Greece, and Germany all ruled out participation, with Germany noting it was not a NATO responsibility.

Starmer highlighted ongoing collaboration with European allies to develop a “viable collective plan” that would restore freedom of navigation in the strait while easing economic pressures from skyrocketing oil prices, which have surged above $100 a barrel.

Domestic Measures to Ease Energy Costs

The Prime Minister also outlined the first wave of financial support for British households affected by rising energy costs: a £53 million ($70 million) package for vulnerable households relying on heating oil. Domestic energy prices are expected to remain largely shielded by a tariff-pricing cap in place until July. Starmer said the government is monitoring the situation and could introduce additional support if energy disruptions persist beyond the cap period.

“The quickest way to ease cost-of-living pressures is to de-escalate the conflict in the Middle East,” he noted, emphasizing the link between global tensions and domestic energy security.

UK-US Relations

The ongoing Iran conflict has tested the “special relationship” between the UK and the US. Starmer said a recent call with Trump was constructive, describing it as a discussion “in the way you would expect between two allies and two leaders.”

While Britain has withdrawn its last minehunter from the region, Starmer said the UK continues to operate autonomous mine-hunting systems and is exploring other measures to contribute safely without being drawn into direct conflict.
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