British minister stresses need to calm Middle East conflict following Trump’s call for allies to protect vital oil shipping lanes.
LONDON: A British minister has emphasised the urgent need to de-escalate the conflict in the Middle East to ensure the security of global oil supplies.
Energy Security Minister Ed Miliband said the immediate plan must be to calm the situation following US President Donald Trump’s demand for nations to help protect shipping.
“We are talking to our allies,” Miliband told the BBC. He added that different methods to enable maritime shipping are being explored intensively with partners.
The focus is on finding ways to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil transit.
A UK defence ministry spokesperson confirmed late on Saturday that discussions with allies are ongoing. The spokesperson said a range of options to ensure regional shipping security are being considered.
