Starmer to visit Middle East after US and Iran reach ceasefire deal

UK leader addresses Gulf nations amid regional tensions

Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of the Iran-US ceasefire agreement during his trip to Gulf countries on Wednesday. According to the Prime Minister’s office, he will focus on “coordinating diplomatic actions to ensure the ceasefire remains in place and is expanded into a permanent accord.” His visit concludes on Friday, after which he will return to the UK.

Conditional terms and mutual commitments

The ceasefire, finalized on Tuesday, was reached just minutes before Trump’s deadline for Iran expired. In a message on Truth Social, Trump stated the agreement was “subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz.” Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed Iran’s readiness to halt hostilities “provided attacks against Iran are stopped.” He noted that “safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be achievable for two weeks.”

Origins of the conflict and its global impact

The war began in February when the US and Israel executed coordinated strikes on Iran, citing concerns about Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. As retaliation, Iran intensified attacks on Gulf neighbors and imposed a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz—a vital maritime route for a fifth of global energy trade. This disruption caused a sharp rise in crude oil prices, driving up costs for petrol and diesel worldwide and raising fears about inflation.

“I welcome the ceasefire agreement reached overnight, which will bring a moment of relief to the region and the world,” Starmer remarked to journalists. “Together with our partners, we must do everything possible to sustain this ceasefire, transform it into a lasting peace, and secure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz,” he continued.