President Donald Trump has called on Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the UK’s Labour Party, to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil supplies. The appeal, made via Trump’s Truth Social platform, came as tensions escalate in the region and shipping through the strait has been severely disrupted.
Trump’s post demanded that China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK dispatch warships to the area to counter perceived threats from Iranian missiles. “Many countries, especially those who are affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending War Ships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the Strait open and safe,” Trump wrote. He further claimed that the U.S. Had “already destroyed 100 per cent of Iran’s Military capability,” but acknowledged the potential for continued disruption through drones, mines, or missile attacks.
The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed to most traffic since the start of the recent conflict, with one vessel coming under attack on Thursday, according to reports. The disruption has already had a significant impact on global markets, with oil prices surging by approximately 40 per cent since the conflict began. Qatar, Kuwait, and other Gulf nations have reduced crude oil and gas production, exacerbating supply pressures.
In response to the escalating crisis, the International Energy Agency, which includes the UK, has agreed to release a record volume of strategic oil reserves. The UK government has stated its support for de-escalation, emphasizing that its armed forces are being deployed for “defensive purposes” in the region. Still, the conflict continues despite earlier assertions from Trump that it was “very complete.”
Trump’s call for international assistance follows U.S. Strikes on Kharg Island, a key Iranian oil terminal, as the administration continues to press Iran to ensure the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The situation remains volatile, with Iran warning of retaliation following the strikes.
The appeal to Starmer is unusual, given that Trump is not currently in office and Starmer is the leader of the opposition party in the UK. However, it underscores the seriousness with which Trump views the situation and his desire for broad international cooperation.
Meanwhile, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has indicated that the UK Treasury is developing an energy support package, primarily aimed at assisting lower-income households. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has resisted calls for increased oil drilling in the North Sea, despite arguments that it could bolster the UK’s energy security and export revenue.
