UK pledges full support for reopening Strait of Hormuz following US-Iran peace deal

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged that the UK will play its "full part" in reopening the Strait of Hormuz "as soon as possible" following a breakthrough US-Iran peace agreement. Speaking at the G7 summit in France, Starmer stated that he and French President Emmanuel Macron are coordinating efforts among countries willing to protect vessels transiting the strategic waterway, which has been effectively closed by Iran since the conflict began in February 2026.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping channel, has had significant economic impacts globally. Starmer emphasized that the blockade has affected energy prices and impacted "every household across the country." He congratulated President Donald Trump on achieving what he described as "a really important breakthrough," while reaffirming that G7 nations remain united in ensuring Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons. The exact terms of the US-Iran deal have not been publicly released, but Trump indicated the strait would fully reopen once the initial agreement is formally signed.

Multiple countries are mobilizing military assets to support freedom of navigation efforts. The UK has committed to deploying Typhoon fighter jets, drones, and the HMS Dragon warship to the region, with the government offering to assist in mine-clearing operations. France has indicated it could deploy fighter jets and has already positioned an aircraft carrier nearby. According to Macron, approximately 20 countries have made concrete contributions to the mission, with four nations currently present in the region.

Trump stated he does not anticipate needing substantial international assistance to ensure shipping security, given the terms of the US-Iran agreement, though he indicated the presence of one or two allied vessels would be acceptable. The conflict in the Middle East escalated in February when US and Israeli forces launched extensive strikes against Iran, killing the country's supreme leader, prompting Iranian retaliation and the subsequent strait closure.

The G7 summit is also addressing other regional security concerns, including the ongoing war in Ukraine. The UK government announced 70 new sanctions targeting Russia, focused on disrupting Moscow's shadow fleet, financial networks, and military supply chains. Additionally, the Ministry of Defence is investigating reports that a Russian frigate fired warning shots near a UK-registered yacht in the English Channel on Tuesday, an incident that British officials currently do not believe is connected to recent operations against Russian vessels.