More than two weeks into the conflict, he is belatedly looking for support in reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Oil tankers and ships have been lining up in the Strait of Hormuz. While US air strikes have destroyed its navy, Iran retains thousands of locally manufactured Shahed drones which could strike ships denied permission to access Hormuz. Starmer, keen to repair relations with Trump, has said the UK is working with allies on a “viable, collective plan” to reopen the strait. “That is why I am very sceptical that extending Aspides to the Strait of Hormuz would provide greater ​security,” he stated.

Source: The Irish Times March 16, 2026 17:41 UTC