Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump have agreed on the urgent need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as disruptions to global energy supplies intensify amid the ongoing conflict with Iran. Get today's headlines by email In a call on Sunday evening, both leaders discussed the worsening situation in the Middle East and the impact on global markets. According to Downing Street, they agreed that restoring access through the strategic shipping route was “essential to ensure stability in the global energy market". Leaders stress urgencyTraffic through the strait has fallen sharply since the conflict began on 28 February, with reports suggesting a reduction of around 95%. The waterway typically carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas. The two leaders are expected to continue discussions in the coming days as the situation develops. Emergency talks in LondonSir Keir is due to chair a Cobra emergency meeting on Monday to assess the domestic impact of the crisis. The meeting will include senior ministers and Andrew Bailey, governor of the Bank of England. Officials are expected to examine rising energy costs, pressure on supply chains and the broader economic consequences for households and businesses. Global oil prices have surged in recent weeks, with crude climbing significantly as supply routes remain constrained. Rising tensions and threatsThe الأزمة has escalated further following warnings from President Trump, who said the United States could “obliterate” Iranian power plants if the strait is not reopened within a set timeframe. Iran has responded by signalling it could target US-linked energy infrastructure across the Gulf if such action is taken, according to state media. Meanwhile, UK ministers have sought to reassure the public about immediate risks. Housing Secretary Steve Reed said there was “no specific assessment” that Iran was targeting the UK directly. Military developmentsThe situation remains volatile, with recent missile activity underscoring the risks. Iran previously launched ballistic missiles towards the joint US-UK base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. One missile failed before reaching its target, while another was intercepted, according to UK officials. The conflict has also prompted a shift in Britain’s military posture. The UK government has agreed to allow US forces to use British bases for strikes linked to securing the strait, expanding earlier permissions that were limited to defensive operations. As tensions continue, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz remains a key objective for Western leaders seeking to stabilise energy markets and prevent further escalation. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 23 March 2026
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