Keir Starmer acknowledged the need for ongoing efforts to maintain the Iran-US ceasefire while avoiding direct responses about the state of his relationship with Donald Trump. The UK Prime Minister’s visit to Saudi Arabia followed the agreement between the US President and Iran to implement a two-week ceasefire, stepping back from previous threats of destruction.
Despite the ceasefire agreement, Israel continued its military actions in Lebanon against Hezbollah, an Iranian-supported group, causing concerns about the sustainability of the fragile truce. Israeli authorities argued that their military operations were not covered by the peace deal.
During a visit to a Saudi Arabian air base, Starmer expressed relief over the ceasefire but emphasized the necessity of further work to ensure its longevity and to secure the Strait of Hormuz. He underlined the importance of collaborating with regional countries to not only maintain peace but also to reopen the crucial shipping lane.
Starmer reaffirmed Britain’s stance of not engaging in the conflict, a position that strained his relationship with Trump, who criticized Starmer for abstaining from involvement. When questioned about the state of their relationship, Starmer emphasized his commitment to acting in the UK’s national interest based on lawful grounds and a well-thought-out plan.
Previously, Starmer and other global leaders called for an end to Israel’s attacks on Lebanon. They welcomed the ceasefire and encouraged progress towards a negotiated settlement to protect Iran’s civilians and ensure regional security, thereby averting a potential global energy crisis.
The announcement of the two-week ceasefire by Trump followed Iran’s proposal of a 10-point plan for negotiations. Trump mentioned that US forces would monitor the situation closely to ensure compliance. Pakistan’s Prime Minister invited Iranian and US officials to Islamabad for discussions on the matter.
Trump celebrated the ceasefire on his Truth Social platform, hailing it as a significant step towards world peace and predicting a prosperous era for the Middle East.
