Donald Trump and Keir Starmer have discussed the urgent need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz following disruptions caused by an Iranian blockade that has severely affected global shipping and energy supplies.
The discussion took place during a phone call on Sunday as tensions escalated in the Middle East amid ongoing hostilities involving Iran, the United States and Israel. According to a statement from Downing Street, both leaders emphasised the importance of restoring navigation through the vital waterway to end disruptions to global trade.
A Downing Street spokesperson said the leaders reviewed the evolving situation in the region and agreed that reopening the strait was crucial to stabilise shipping routes and reduce economic pressure caused by the crisis.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is one of the world’s most strategic maritime chokepoints, carrying roughly 20 per cent of global oil shipments. Its closure has triggered concerns over rising energy prices and disruptions to international supply chains.
The crisis follows Iran’s move to effectively block the passage in retaliation for strikes carried out by the United States and Israel, which has sharply reduced tanker traffic and forced many shipping companies to suspend operations in the area.
Reports indicate that vessel movement through the waterway has dropped drastically, with many ships anchoring outside the strait due to security concerns and high insurance risks.
During the call, Trump also urged allied nations—including Britain, France, Japan, South Korea and China—to contribute naval forces to help secure the route and protect commercial shipping from potential attacks.
However, British officials have reportedly been cautious about deploying warships directly to the region, with discussions ongoing about alternative measures such as the use of mine-clearing drones to help ensure safe navigation.
The blockade has already caused significant turbulence in global energy markets, pushing oil prices above 100 dollars per barrel and raising fears of a prolonged supply crisis if the shipping route remains closed.
Diplomatic efforts are continuing among several countries to ease tensions and restore safe passage through the strategic corridor, which links major oil-producing states in the Gulf to global markets.
Analysts warn that failure to reopen the strait could deepen the ongoing Middle East crisis and further disrupt global trade flows, given the region’s central role in energy exports.
