Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday said the United Kingdom is coordinating with allies to develop a “viable” plan to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz, while making it clear that the effort would not involve a mission led by North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
Speaking during a press conference at 10 Downing Street, Starmer told reporters he had discussed the situation in the crucial oil shipping corridor, effectively shut by Iran during the Middle East conflict, with Donald Trump, the president of the United States.
“We’re working with all of our allies, including our European partners, to bring together a viable collective plan that can restore freedom of navigation in the region as quickly as possible and ease the economic impacts,” said the UK leader.
Starmer stressed that the proposed arrangement must be “credible” but would not be carried out under NATO.
“Let me be clear, that won’t be and it’s never been envisioned to be a NATO mission,” Starmer said.
“That’ll have to be an alliance of partners, which is why we’re working with partners, both in Europe, in the Gulf, and with the US,” he added.
His remarks followed comments by Trump, who warned that NATO could face a “very bad” future if US allies fail to help reopen the vital oil transit route.
“It’s only appropriate that people who are the beneficiaries of the Strait will help to make sure that nothing bad happens there,” Trump said.
Starmer also maintained that while Britain was prepared to protect itself and its allies, it had no intention of expanding the conflict.
“We are taking the necessary action to defend ourselves and our allies, we will not be drawn into the wider war,” he said.
