Keir Starmer was on a Spanish beach when Donald Trump threatened to erase Iranian civilization, according to multiple reports. Starmer returned to Britain on Tuesday night and left again on Wednesday for a three-day trip to Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states. He had a 20-minute call with Donald Trump to discuss the Iran war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, multiple reports indicate.
Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the status of the Strait of Hormuz and ceasefire arrangements. Iran's Fars news agency reported the Strait of Hormuz was closed again due to a ceasefire breach by Israel. However, Iranian state media denied any negotiations had taken place with the US, casting doubt on diplomatic progress.
I will obliterate Iran and end its civilization.
The UK has pulled together a coalition of over 30 countries to work on a plan for the Strait of Hormuz, according to multiple reports. Starmer met with Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz and agreed to work on restoring freedom of navigation. This meeting occurred as part of broader diplomatic engagements aimed at stabilizing the region.
The UK's stance on US use of military bases has evolved during the crisis. The UK has allowed US forces to run defensive operations from its military sites like Diego Garcia, the UK government confirmed. Keir Starmer announced late on Sunday that US forces would be allowed to operate from British bases against Iran, but only in a limited, defensive role such as targeting missile sites. US forces were now being allowed to use UK bases to target Iranian missile sites, as part of 'collective self-defence' after Tehran attacked Gulf states and other countries, threatening the lives of British citizens and others.
Keir Starmer is disappointing, no Churchill, and NATO countries are cowards for not sending warships to the Strait of Hormuz.
Keir Starmer has faced legal and political challenges regarding US actions. Keir Starmer clashed with Donald Trump over the use of UK bases by US forces to attack Iran. He appeared to challenge the legality of the air strikes on Iran by the US and Israel. Starmer strongly defended his refusal to allow British military bases to be used for the initial and offensive attacks on the Tehran regime. He stressed on Monday that Britain was not getting involved in the US and Israeli offensive action against Iran.
Donald Trump has publicly criticized and mocked Keir Starmer during the crisis. Trump posted a clip from the British 'Saturday Night Live' mocking Keir Starmer as a coward, multiple reports indicate. Donald Trump highlighted the issues around Diego Garcia, in the Chagos Islands which are at the centre of a diplomatic row between the UK, US and Mauritius, in a Telegraph interview. Trump criticised the refusal to grant permission to use the base.
It is in the best interests of the US to stay in NATO and Europe must do more to support the alliance.
International diplomatic developments have involved key figures beyond the US and UK. Keir Starmer arrived in the UAE for talks on the Iran war as the ceasefire agreement comes under strain, multiple reports indicate. Elon Musk joined a phone call between Donald Trump and Narendra Modi about the war in Iran, according to a New York Times report.
Economic impacts and energy price concerns have been a focus for the UK government. Keir Starmer chaired a Cobra meeting to discuss the economic impact of the war, including soaring energy prices, multiple reports indicate. Reports suggest Iran is seeking to add a toll on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, ranging from $1m-$2m per ship or $1 per barrel of oil.
There is a very strong sense that there can’t be tolling or restrictions on navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Keir Starmer's approval ratings and public opinion have shown shifts during the crisis. Keir Starmer's approval rating on handling the Iran situation was 38% approve, 45% disapprove in a YouGov poll on March 30. However, Keir Starmer's personal ratings improved by 11 points since the start of the strikes, according to an Opinium survey.
Technological aspects have played a role in the Iran conflict, with Elon Musk's Starlink technology being vital. Elon Musk's Starlink technology was vital in Iran during internet blackouts, and the Trump administration smuggled terminals into Iran, multiple reports indicate.
The UK has a job to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Downing Street has responded to US decisions regarding military actions. Downing Street welcomed Donald Trump's decision to postpone strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure following talks with Tehran, a spokesperson confirmed.
The UK is not getting drawn into this war and acts in collective self-defense.
I delayed strikes by five days subject to success of ongoing meetings, after threatening to obliterate Iran's power plants if the Strait of Hormuz was not reopened by midnight Monday.
I am fed up with Donald Trump's actions impacting energy bills, grouping him with Putin.
The Iran conflict will define us for a generation.
This Government does not believe in regime change from the skies.
I will not commit our military personnel to unlawful action.
President Trump has expressed his disagreement with our decision not to get involved in the initial strikes.
But it is my duty to judge what is in Britain’s national interest, that is what I’ve done and I stand by it.
I was very disappointed at Sir Keir for initially refusing to allow the use of the UK-US Diego Garcia base to target Iran.
It took far too long for the Prime Minister to change his mind.
Any UK action must always have a lawful basis.
It must also always have a viable and thought-through plan.
And it must be in our national interests.