UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has declared that the United Kingdom “will not be drawn into the wider war” despite pressure from President Donald Trump to deploy Royal Navy warships in response to the ongoing Iran conflict. Starmer emphasized that while the UK is coordinating with allies on a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, it will avoid direct military engagement in the region.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane for global oil and gas, has effectively been closed to tankers due to the Iran war, raising international concern over energy security. Trump’s calls for British naval support have been resisted, with Starmer prioritizing diplomatic coordination and strategic planning over immediate deployment of forces.

In addition to addressing the geopolitical crisis, Starmer announced a £53 million support package on Monday aimed at assisting households struggling with rapidly rising energy costs. The package reflects the government’s commitment to domestic stability while navigating complex international pressures, balancing humanitarian concerns with careful foreign policy management amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region.