Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 8, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 8, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleUK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is traveling to the Gulf to build on a newly brokered U.S.–Iran ceasefire and work with regional partners on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil and gas flows.
LONDON, April 8 (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will travel to the Gulf on Wednesday to hold talks with regional leaders to try to ensure the Strait of Hormuz opens permanently after a U.S.-Iran ceasefire, his office said.
"I welcome the ceasefire agreement reached overnight, which will bring a moment of relief to the region and the world," Starmer said in a statement.
"Together with our partners we must do all we can to support and sustain this ceasefire, turn it into a lasting agreement and re-open the Strait of Hormuz."
Starmer, who has been heavily criticised by U.S. President Donald Trump for failing to support the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, has hosted multinational meetings on how allies could support the reopening of the key strait that is fundamental to oil and gas trade.
The British statement said Starmer would discuss diplomatic efforts to "support and uphold the ceasefire in order to bring about a lasting resolution to the conflict and protect the UK and global economy from further threats".
The visit to the region had been planned before the ceasefire was announced.
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper also spoke to her U.S. counterpart, Marco Rubio, on Tuesday, when they discussed diplomatic measures to secure the reopening of the Strait, including last week's UK-led meeting which brought together over 40 countries to discuss the issue.
(Reporting by Muvija M and Kate Holton; Editing by Elizabeth Piper)
Prime Minister Starmer is visiting the Gulf to discuss the permanent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and support for the US-Iran ceasefire.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway for global oil and gas trade, crucial to the UK and world economy.
The UK is working with Gulf partners to uphold and sustain the ceasefire and ensure the Strait of Hormuz stays open.
Yes, the visit to the Gulf was planned prior to the announcement of the US-Iran ceasefire agreement.
Reopening the Strait reduces threats to global oil and gas supply, helping stabilize international markets.
Explore more articles in the Finance category
