by Jack Diffley
UK and US leaders call for urgent action to restore traffic through the vital shipping lane, as the Middle East conflict drives up global energy prices and economic concerns
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump have jointly stressed the urgency of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, as disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict with Iran continue to reverberate across global energy markets.
In a phone call on Sunday evening, the two leaders agreed that restoring access to the strategic waterway—through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas typically flows—is critical to maintaining stability in global supply and pricing. Since the outbreak of hostilities on 28 February, traffic through the strait has dropped by an estimated 95%, contributing to a sharp surge in energy costs.
The diplomatic exchange comes ahead of a high-level Cobra emergency meeting in London, where Starmer is expected to convene senior ministers alongside Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey. Discussions will focus on the economic fallout of the crisis, including its impact on inflation, household energy bills, and supply chains.
Oil prices have already risen dramatically, with crude climbing approximately 45% to $106 per barrel. The situation has been further inflamed by increasingly confrontational rhetoric. In a recent social media post, Trump warned that the United States could “obliterate” Iranian energy infrastructure if the strait is not reopened swiftly. Tehran, in turn, has threatened to strike US-linked energy facilities across the Gulf region.
British officials have acknowledged the growing risks. Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook said the government is closely monitoring inflationary pressures linked to the conflict, while pledging measures to shield households from rising living costs. These include financial support for homes facing steep increases in heating oil prices.
Despite heightened tensions, ministers have sought to reassure the public regarding national security. Housing Secretary Steve Reed stated there is no current assessment suggesting Iran is targeting the UK directly, even as concerns persist following missile activity in the region. Iranian forces recently launched ballistic missiles toward the US-UK military base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, with one intercepted and another falling short.
Meanwhile, the UK government has agreed to expand its cooperation with Washington, allowing US forces to use British bases for offensive operations linked to securing the Strait of Hormuz. Previously, such facilities had been limited to defensive use.
As diplomatic and military pressures intensify, the reopening of the strait remains a central objective for Western leaders seeking to stabilise both the geopolitical landscape and the fragile global economy.
(Associated Medias) – all rights reserved
L’articolo Starmer and Trump Push to Reopen Hormuz Strait Amid Escalating Energy Crisis proviene da Associated Medias.
