Keir Starmer and Donald Trump still miles apart over Iran war after their first phone call for a fortnight

Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump remain miles apart on Iran after their first phone call in two weeks.

The Prime Minister warned the US President about the ‘serious consequences’ of the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Following his speeches, President Trump launched another public inquiry into Sir Keir for his failure to send warships to protect Britain’s oil tankers.

The conversation took place just after President Trump and the First Lady survived an apparent assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.

This is understood to be the first official meeting since April 9, after the Prime Minister said he was ‘fed up’ with the US President and Vladimir Putin.

Downing Street confirmed the latest phone call and said the Prime Minister had sent his best wishes following the dramatic scare.

The two leaders remain miles apart on policy. Trump was disappointed by Starmer’s refusal to send Royal Navy ships during the conflict.

Britain’s position, agreed with its European allies France and Germany, has been repeatedly ridiculed by the White House.

Sir Keir Starmer remained a diplomatic bystander throughout the conflict. He is seen here greeting a Royal Navy submarine returning to England after a record-long mission on 18 April.

A spokesman said: ‘Leaders discussed the urgent need to reactivate ships in the Strait of Hormuz, given the serious consequences for the global economy and the cost of living for people in the UK and around the world.

‘The Prime Minister shared with French President (Emmanuel) Macron the latest developments in the joint initiative to restore freedom of navigation.’

The USA and Iran seem to be at an impasse after the expected peace talks to be held in Pakistan were cancelled.

While the Iranian delegation left Pakistan over the weekend, the US team led by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner was recalled by Trump.

Referring to the cancellation of the negotiations yesterday, Trump invited Iran to call the USA, saying that there are many security hotlines in the country.

“We can talk if they want, but we’re not sending people,” Trump said. They know what should be in the deal.

‘It’s simple: They can’t have nuclear weapons, otherwise there’s no reason for them to meet.’

The tempo of the conflict has slowed significantly since the temporary ceasefire agreed on April 7, but a permanent agreement remains a long way off.

A standoff in the war that has killed thousands of people and shaken the global economy remains uncertain.

Iran has called on the United States to lift the blockade before negotiations begin. Iran wants to demand large sums from companies to pass the Strait safely and share the resulting revenue with Oman.

Two months after the war began, the economic impacts are further amplified as the near closure of the Bosphorus disrupts global shipments of oil, liquefied natural gas, fertilizer and other materials.

Both sides continued to make military threats. Iran’s joint military command warned on Saturday that it would face a “strong response” if the “US continues its aggressive military actions, including naval blockades, banditry and piracy.”

Last week, Trump ordered military units to ‘shoot and kill’ small boats that could plant mines.

At least 3,375 people have been killed in Iran since the beginning of the war, and at least 2,509 people have been killed in Lebanon, where the Israel-Hezbollah conflict resumed two days after the start of the Iran war.