Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has warned that the ongoing conflict in Iran will “affect the future of our country,” while insisting that Britain is prepared to weather the storm without being drawn into war.
Speaking to the nation today, Sir Keir stressed that the situation “does not equate to an all-out war” and called for closer ties with the European Union through enhanced economic and security cooperation.
“How we emerge from this crisis will define us for a generation,” he said. “I’m not prepared to ask the British people to relive a crisis, come out of it, and simply return to the status quo.”
At a Downing Street press conference, Sir Keir reassured the public that Britain has a long-term plan to emerge stronger and more secure, emphasising energy resilience to avoid shocks akin to those of the 1970s.
He confirmed that Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will host a meeting of international leaders to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil shipping route that Tehran has blocked. Following the summit, military planners will assess security measures for the Strait once hostilities subside.
The Prime Minister also announced a new initiative to strengthen economic and security cooperation with the EU, signalling an emphasis on regional stability and supply chain security. The Strait of Hormuz is particularly critical, accounting for roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply and affecting commodities from fertiliser to aluminium.
In a separate interview with The Telegraph, former President Donald Trump criticised the UK, claiming that Britain “doesn’t matter” and denouncing the Royal Navy as outdated. “You don’t even have a navy. You’re too old and have aircraft carriers that don’t work,” he said.
When asked about defence spending, Trump dismissed the need for advice, blaming rising energy prices on costly wind projects.
Trump also reiterated his scepticism of NATO, stating, “I would say it’s beyond reconsideration… I was never swayed by NATO. I always knew they were a paper tiger, and Putin knows that too, by the way.”
The remarks highlight contrasting approaches: Starmer’s government is emphasising diplomatic engagement and strategic preparation, while Trump’s comments underscore ongoing debates over Western military readiness and alliances amid Middle East tensions.
