UK PM Keir Starmer says ‘this is not our war’, calls for de-escalation in Iran war

Keir Starmer on Wednesday said the United Kingdom would not be drawn into the ongoing conflict involving Iran, as he outlined diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and ensure energy security amid rising global concerns.

Addressing a press conference at Downing Street, Starmer stated, “Let me say once again, this is not our war. We will not be drawn into the conflict that is not in our national interests.” He emphasised that the government’s priority remains stabilising the situation in West Asia through diplomatic engagement.

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The Prime Minister said the UK is working with international partners to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route disrupted by the ongoing hostilities. He noted that ensuring the free flow of oil and safeguarding maritime navigation is key to controlling domestic cost-of-living pressures.


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“The most effective way we can support the cost of living in Britain is to push for de-escalation in the Middle East and a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz,” Starmer said.

He added that the UK has mobilised a coalition of 35 nations to coordinate maritime security efforts in the Gulf. A meeting involving these countries is scheduled later this week, where officials will assess diplomatic and political measures to restore safe navigation and resume the movement of essential commodities.

Starmer also confirmed that the UK is exploring “each and every diplomatic avenue” through engagements at multilateral forums, including discussions by senior ministers with counterparts in the G7 and regional partners.

In a separate development, the Prime Minister announced that Britain will convene a new summit with its European Union partners in the coming weeks, signalling a push for closer ties post-Brexit. He said the proposed summit would go beyond existing commitments to pursue deeper economic and security cooperation.

“In a volatile world, our long-term national interest requires close partnership with our allies in Europe,” Starmer said, adding that the UK seeks a more “ambitious” framework for collaboration with the bloc.


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Starmer says 35 countries have signed a statement committing to work together on restoring maritime security to the key oil transport route.

He said Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will lead a conference on the issue, and military planners are also working on plans for security once the Iran war ends.

Starmer said "a united front of military strength and diplomatic activity" is needed to restore stability.

The comments come amid heightened geopolitical tensions and sharp increases in global oil prices following disruptions in the Gulf region.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump criticised allied nations that did not participate in recent strikes against Iran, suggesting they should take greater responsibility for securing key shipping routes. His remarks, posted on his Truth Social platform, underscored differences among Western allies over how to respond to the crisis.

Tensions in the region have escalated in recent weeks, with Iran-linked disruptions affecting tanker movements through the Strait of Hormuz, a passage that handles a significant share of global oil shipments.