Trump, Starmer agree Hormuz reopening 'essential' for energy stability

2026-03-23 - 00:30

US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer agreed Sunday that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is "essential" for restoring stability to global energy markets, Downing Street said. The leaders discussed the escalating Middle East crisis and the need to resume shipping through the strategic waterway. Diplomatic engagement According to a readout from the prime minister's office, the call focused on the situation in the region and the imperative of restoring free passage through the strait. The two leaders agreed to speak again soon. The White House did not immediately comment on the conversation. Ultimatum issued The call follows Trump's 48-hour ultimatum to Iran on Saturday, in which he threatened to strike Iranian power plants if Tehran does not fully reopen the passage. The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively disrupted since early March, with approximately 20 million barrels of oil normally passing through daily. The closure has pushed global oil prices higher and sparked fears of prolonged energy market disruption. Ongoing conflict US-Israeli strikes against Iran began Feb. 28 and have reportedly killed at least 1,300 people, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. The closure of the strait has compounded global economic concerns as the conflict enters its fourth week with no resolution in sight.