UK, US Push to Reopen Hormuz Strait Amid Energy Crisis

Britain and the United States are intensifying efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as the ongoing Middle East conflict continues to disrupt global energy supplies and push fuel prices higher.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Donald Trump agreed on the urgency of restoring movement through the strategic waterway during a phone call on Sunday, according to Downing Street. The strait, a key route for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, has seen traffic drop sharply since fighting involving Iran escalated in late February.

The disruption has had immediate global economic effects, with crude oil prices surging significantly, adding pressure on households and businesses worldwide.

The discussion comes ahead of an emergency Cobra meeting to be chaired by Starmer, where top officials, including Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey, are expected to assess the economic impact of the crisis. Key cabinet members will focus on energy security, supply chains and the broader international response.

Tensions have escalated following joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, after which Tehran effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz. In response, Trump warned of severe consequences if the passage is not reopened quickly.

Iran has also issued counter warnings, signalling it could target energy infrastructure linked to the US and its allies across the Gulf, raising fears of prolonged disruption to global oil flows.

In the UK, the government has begun measures to cushion the domestic impact. Housing Secretary Steve Reed announced a support package aimed at helping households cope with rising heating costs.

Although officials say there is no direct intelligence suggesting Iran is targeting the UK, concerns remain after reports of missile activity near the joint US-UK military base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.

Meanwhile, Britain has expanded its support for US operations by allowing the use of its military bases for strikes linked to securing the Strait, which marks a shift from its earlier, more limited stance.

As tensions persist, both London and Washington are prioritising the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to stabilise energy markets and prevent a deeper global economic crisis.