Starmer hails hugely significant ‘breakthrough’ as Trump announces US-Iran war peace deal
Sir Keir Starmer has welcomed a “pivotal moment” in the war between Iran and the US with the announcement of a “groundbreaking” deal by Donald Trump.
The US president said the deal means “oil will once again flow freely” through the Strait of Hormuz, the vital shipping route from the Persian Gulf.
News of a peace deal emerged overnight, with mediators in Pakistan announcing that an initial agreement could be signed electronically within 24 hours, followed by detailed talks next week.
The deal would end a four-month war in which Tehran has used a blockade of the Bosphorus as an economic weapon, causing fuel shortages in some countries, disruption of agricultural fertilizer supplies and price rises at Britain’s oil depots and airports.
The Prime Minister welcomed news of the deal at a press conference at No 10 Downing Street on Monday morning.
Sir Keir told reporters: “Firstly, I want to welcome the progress achieved between the US and Iran last night and I congratulate President Trump, the mediators in Pakistan and Qatar and everyone involved.
“This is a hugely important moment. We have long called for a de-escalation and it is vital that all parties seize this opportunity to ensure stability in the region and restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. This will ease the economic pressures felt by people in the UK and around the world.”
“We will now work closely with our partners to support this agreement and ensure that it becomes a lasting, lasting peace.”
Sir Keir also acknowledged there had been many false starts on the peace deal in recent weeks but said he believed the latest announcement was a real breakthrough.
“This is an agreement. I think it’s important,” he said.
Sir Keir also signaled that Britain and its allies were ready to help protect the Strait of Hormuz from future shocks.
He told reporters: “When such a moment comes, you know that we are taking preparatory measures as a coalition of countries, led by myself and President Macron, to bring together countries that are ready to do some of the assurance work needed to help ships pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
“There is military planning behind this, hopefully we can now do our part in that regard.”
Oil prices fell sharply after the peace agreement was announced; Global benchmark Brent Crude Oil fell more than 5 percent on Monday to just over $82 a barrel, its lowest level in more than three months. As investors breathed a sigh of relief, stock markets in Europe and Asia also rose.
Mr. Trump was celebrating his 80th birthday at a sporting event at the White House when he confirmed the adoption of a peace deal.
Writing on social media platform Truth Social, the president said: “The agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations everyone!
“I authorize the free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and I also authorize the immediate lifting of the U.S. Navy blockade. Ships of Earth, start your engines. Let the oil flow!”
The peace agreement includes a provision for Israel to cease operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, an issue on which Israel has not yet officially commented.
