Lead

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has wrapped up a three-day tour of Gulf states, warning that there is “a lot of work to do” to secure the fragile US-Iran ceasefire and fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. During stops in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar, Starmer met regional leaders and spoke by phone with US President Donald Trump, focusing on a practical plan to restore freedom of navigation through the strait, which has been largely closed since US and Israeli attacks on Iran began in late February.

Coverage comparison

Reporting on the visit has been consistent across outlets, though with different emphases. Al Jazeera highlighted the “fragile” nature of the truce and Starmer’s role in shoring it up. Dawn, Pakistan’s leading English-language daily, led with Starmer’s insistence that NATO is “in America’s interests,” set against Trump’s threats to withdraw from the alliance after European allies refused to join the war against Iran. The Guardian provided extensive live coverage, capturing Starmer’s meetings, his comments on Lebanon, and his stark message that he is “fed up” with energy bills rising because of the actions of Putin or Trump. The Jerusalem Post focused on the Trump–Starmer call and the practical steps needed to reopen the strait, noting that it carries about a fifth of the world’s oil consumption.

Key claims

The ceasefire and the Strait of Hormuz

The two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran was agreed on Tuesday evening, hours before a self-imposed deadline set by Trump, who had warned that Iran’s “whole civilisation” would die if it did not meet US demands. Starmer welcomed the agreement, saying it would bring “a moment of relief to the region and the world,” but stressed that more work remains. “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 said.

The strait has been closed since the US and Israel launched their campaign against Iran in late February. As part of the ceasefire terms, it was intended to be reopened, but Iranian state news agency Fars reported that oil tankers were again being blocked due to what it called a ceasefire breach by Israel, which has intensified attacks on Lebanon. Starmer acknowledged the difficulty, saying it is “early days” and that there are “a lot of practicalities” and “a lot of moving parts.” One UK official told The Guardian that reopening the strait is not “the sort of thing that happens at the flick of a switch.”

The UK-led coalition and tolling dispute

The UK has been convening international partners to plan the practical steps needed to reopen the strait, including dealing with Iranian mines and ensuring tanker insurance. Before the ceasefire, the UK led a call of military planners from 35 nations on securing the strait. A separate UK-led meeting chaired by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper brought together more than 40 countries. The US abstained from these UK-hosted talks, with Trump saying it was a problem for other nations to resolve.

A point of contention has been the possibility of tolls. Trump mooted the idea of a “joint venture” between the US and Iran to set shipping tolls, but Starmer and his ministers have been adamant that the strait must be free of any such levies. Cooper said Iran cannot “hijack” the strait with shipping tolls, calling it an international transit route governed by the law of the sea. Defence Secretary John Healey warned that tolls would create a principle that could be abused by others.

NATO and the transatlantic rift

Starmer used the tour to push back against Trump’s threats to withdraw from NATO. Speaking in Qatar, he said it is “in America’s interests” to remain in the alliance, calling it “the single most effective military alliance the world has ever known” and a defensive bloc that has kept Europe safe for decades. He acknowledged that European members need to do more on defence spending, but insisted the alliance’s value is clear. Trump had criticised European NATO members for not participating more fully in strikes on Iran, and reports emerged that Washington planned to audit NATO members to determine if any should face punishment.

Israel’s attacks on Lebanon

Starmer also made clear his disapproval of Israel’s continued attacks on Lebanon, which have killed more than 250 people. “That shouldn’t be happening. That should stop. That’s my strong view,” he told ITV. He dismissed arguments by US Vice-President JD Vance that ending attacks on Lebanon was not part of the ceasefire, saying the issue is a matter of principles, not a technical question of whether the agreement was breached. Cooper said she is “deeply troubled” by the escalating attacks and has argued that Lebanon must be included in the ceasefire.

Energy prices and ‘fed up’ comment

Starmer’s comments on energy bills drew particular attention. In an ITV interview with Robert Peston, he said: “I’m fed up with the fact that families across the country see their bills go up and down on energy, businesses’ bills go up and down on energy because of the actions of Putin or Trump across the world.” The comment was widely quoted, and the Guardian noted that Starmer did not say he was fed up with Trump personally, but with the effect of the president’s decision to go to war on UK energy costs. The conflict has had a visible impact on UK energy prices over the past 39 days, according to Starmer.

Perspectives

UK Government: Starmer and his ministers present the UK as a steady, predictable partner working to sustain the ceasefire and reopen the strait, while avoiding being drawn into offensive military action. They stress the importance of the UK’s defensive contributions in the Gulf and its role as a convenor of international efforts.

US Administration: Trump’s statements have been volatile, mixing threats to Iran, criticism of NATO allies, and a suggestion that the US could participate in shipping tolls. He has mocked Starmer and other European leaders, but also engaged in direct talks with Starmer on the strait’s reopening.

Gulf States: Leaders in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar have welcomed the ceasefire but view it as fragile, threatened by Israeli attacks on Lebanon and the possibility of Iranian retaliation. They share the UK’s opposition to tolling on the strait.

Regional Concerns: Iran has called for Lebanon to be included in the ceasefire and warned it could retaliate if the ceasefire collapses. The Fars news agency has reported renewed blockages of oil tankers, citing Israeli ceasefire breaches.