UK PM Keir Starmer pushes for Iran ceasefire amid renewed hostilities

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called for a return to the US‑Iran ceasefire after two days of renewed fighting that saw U.S. strikes on Iranian targets and Iranian retaliation against Bahrain and Kuwait. He said the UK, alongside France, would lead a multinational reassurance mission to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, warning that disrupted shipping could further lift energy prices and affect British household bills.

Starmer’s stance was criticised by President Donald Trump, who suggested the prime minister’s recent resignation announcement was linked to the unpopular decision not to join U.S. actions in the region. Trump also accused NATO of failing to support the United States in Iran and questioned the UK’s defence spending targets.

The renewed tension pushed Brent crude up about 6.5%, reviving concerns about global fuel costs while highlighting the UK’s diplomatic and economic stakes in the Middle‑East conflict.