Starmer to visit Middle East after US and Iran reach ceasefire deal
Starmer to visit Middle East after US and Iran reach ceasefire deal
Keir Starmer expressed approval for the Iran-US ceasefire agreement as he embarked on a diplomatic trip to engage with Gulf nations. The prime minister’s visit includes discussions aimed at reinforcing the terms of the pause in hostilities, as stated by the Prime Minister’s Office. His schedule concludes with a return to the UK on Friday.
Conditional terms of the deal
The agreement was finalized on Tuesday, mere minutes before the expiration of a deadline set by Donald Trump. The US president had previously warned of a “whole civilisation will die” if Iran did not end the conflict and unblock the Strait of Hormuz. This ultimatum prompted renewed calls from Downing Street for reduced tensions.
“I welcome the ceasefire agreement reached overnight, which will bring a moment of relief to the region and the world,” Starmer remarked to reporters on Wednesday.
“Together with our partners we must do all we can to support and sustain this ceasefire, turn it into a lasting agreement and reopen the Strait of Hormuz,” he added.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi outlined the country’s acceptance of the ceasefire, contingent on a halt to attacks against Iran. “For a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible,” he noted. Meanwhile, Trump emphasized the deal’s reliance on Iran’s commitment to “COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz” via his Truth Social platform.
Origins of the conflict
The current crisis began in February, following coordinated strikes by the US and Israel on Iran. These actions were motivated by concerns that Tehran was advancing its nuclear capabilities. In retaliation, Iran launched attacks across the Gulf and broader Middle East, while also restricting traffic through the vital Strait of Hormuz.
The strait, a key maritime route, facilitates the movement of roughly a fifth of global energy shipments. The conflict led to a surge in crude oil prices, driving up costs for petrol and diesel worldwide and raising worries about living expenses in multiple countries.
