Starmer Heads to Gulf for Talks on Iran Truce

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will travel to the Gulf on Wednesday for talks with regional leaders aimed at reinforcing the fragile ceasefire in the Middle East conflict, Downing Street said.

In a statement, Starmer welcomed the truce, describing it as a development that offers temporary relief to the region and beyond, while stressing the need for sustained international efforts to turn it into a lasting agreement and restore safe passage through 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.”

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.

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) April 8, 2026

The visit comes after Britain hosted a virtual meeting of military planners from more than 30 countries on Tuesday, where participants discussed possible steps toward forming an international coalition to secure navigation in the strait.

Earlier diplomatic talks involving about 40 countries also focused on the waterway, which has been largely disrupted since the outbreak of hostilities involving Iran, the United States, and Israel in late February.

According to the UK government, British forces have played a defensive role during the conflict, intercepting over 110 drone threats, while the Royal Air Force has carried out more than 1,600 hours of defensive operations in the region.