Sir Keir Starmer has welcomed the ceasefire agreed between the US and Iran overnight and said it was an opportunity to secure a long-term solution for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Prime Minister is travelling to the Middle East on Wednesday, where he is expected to discuss diplomatic efforts to support and uphold the ceasefire with leaders of allies in the Gulf.
Donald Trump had warned on Tuesday that “a whole civilisation will die” unless Tehran met his demands.
But less than two hours before his deadline passed for Iran to agree a deal, the US president said he was suspending his threat to widen the military offensive to power plants and bridges, subject to the strait reopening.
Sir Keir said: “I welcome the ceasefire agreement reached overnight, which will bring a moment of relief to the region and the world.
“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.”
I welcome the ceasefire agreement reached overnight, which will bring a moment of relief to the region and the world.
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.
Downing Street said the Prime Minister would use his visit to the Gulf on Wednesday to make clear the UK’s commitment to de-escalation and hold further talks on “practical efforts” to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
He will also visit British military personnel in the region to thank them for their service.