Starmer pushes for peace, safe passage through Hormuz

ABU DHABI – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, the second stop of his Gulf tour following Saudi Arabia, to discuss the US-Iran ceasefire and measures to ensure lasting peace in the region. His visit comes ahead of anticipated talks between Washington and Tehran on Friday in Islamabad.

According to British media reports, Starmer is meeting key regional allies to consolidate the two-week ceasefire and explore steps needed to rebuild trust and reopen the Strait of Hormuz safely, a vital artery for global oil and gas trade.

Before arriving in Abu Dhabi, Starmer met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah on the Red Sea coast. The Saudi heir emphasised “the importance of supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing regional security and consolidating stability.”

The Saudi Press Agency reported that talks also focused on the depth of historic relations between the UK and Saudi Arabia, as well as developing the strategic partnership and expanding cooperation across various sectors. Both leaders reviewed recent regional and global developments, stressing the need to support international efforts to reinforce stability.

Speaking to British and Saudi military personnel at King Fahd Air Base in Taif, Starmer acknowledged the ceasefire as a significant step forward but cautioned that “there is still a lot of work to do to make sure that ceasefire becomes permanent and brings about the peace that we all want to see.”

He added: “And there’s also a lot of work to do in relation to the Strait of Hormuz, which has an impact everywhere across the world.” 

Starmer has convened multinational meetings to discuss how allies can support the reopening of the strait, which is crucial for global energy flows.

“It’s our job to make sure that the Strait is open, that we’re able to get the energy that the world needs out and stabilise the prices back in the United Kingdom,” he told reporters.

Starmer’s visit follows criticism from US President Donald Trump over his perceived reluctance to endorse American and Israeli strikes on Iran. Despite this, the prime minister has stressed the UK’s role in coordinating international efforts to stabilise the region.

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper also spoke with her US counterpart, Marco Rubio, on Tuesday regarding the diplomatic measures necessary to secure the reopening of the Strait, including last week’s UK-led meeting which brought together more than 40 countries to discuss the issue.

In Abu Dhabi, Starmer was received by Khaldoon Al Mubarak, chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority, ahead of high-level discussions with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. 

Talks are expected to focus on maintaining the ceasefire and ensuring the safe resumption of shipping through the strait, a key priority for regional security and global economic stability.

From Saudi Arabia to the UAE, Starmer’s Gulf tour underscores the UK’s commitment to de-escalation in the region and the protection of critical trade routes.