Trump clashes with Starmer over Iran war stance and Hormuz security

Keir Starmer after the British prime minister said the UK would not be drawn into a wider conflict with Iran

WASHINGTON – Donald Trump has criticised Keir Starmer after the British prime minister said the UK would not be drawn into a wider conflict with Iran, despite rising tensions in the Gulf. The row centres on the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route that has become a flashpoint as fears grow that Tehran could disrupt energy supplies. Trump has been urging allies to help patrol the narrow waterway, arguing that countries benefiting from oil shipments through the strait should contribute to its security.

But Starmer signalled a more cautious approach, emphasising diplomacy over military escalation.

“While taking the necessary action to defend ourselves and our allies, we will not be drawn into the wider war. We will keep working towards a swift resolution that brings security and stability back to the region,” Starmer said.

He warned that a prolonged conflict would deepen global instability and worsen economic pressures at home.

“I want to see an end to this war as quickly as possible, because the longer it goes on, the more dangerous the situation becomes, and the worse it is for the cost of living back here at home,” he added.

Starmer said discussions on maritime security were ongoing with the United States, Gulf partners, and European allies, but stressed that no final decisions had been taken.

“It’s obviously a difficult question … in relation to how you safeguard maritime traffic,” he said.

He also cautioned against allowing the conflict to create geopolitical advantages for Vladimir Putin, warning that instability in the Gulf could have wider global consequences.

The Strait of Hormuz lies between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman and serves as the only sea passage from the Gulf to the open ocean. It is one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, carrying a significant share of global oil shipments. Any disruption to traffic through the strait could send shockwaves through global markets and push energy prices sharply higher.

Trump said he was “not happy” with Britain’s position, warning that reluctance among allies to take a stronger role could strain Western security cooperation. He suggested the situation could be “very bad for the future” of NATO if partners fail to step up. So far, several European governments have also shown caution about joining any expanded military operation in the region.

For now, Britain appears determined to hold its line supporting efforts to secure maritime routes while avoiding direct involvement in a broader war. Analysts say the divide highlights growing tensions within Western alliances over how to respond to the escalating crisis, balancing security concerns with the risks of a wider regional conflict.

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