UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has described the ceasefire between the United States, Israel, and Iran as “highly fragile” and has urged that Lebanon be included in the negotiations immediately. Speaking in London, Starmer warned that the current truce could easily collapse if key actors are left out of the diplomatic process. He singled out Lebanon, where sustained Israeli‑Iran‑linked exchanges have caused repeated civilian‑area casualties, saying that any durable peace‑formula must formally incorporate Beirut’s security and sovereignty concerns.
Starmer also criticised Iran for what he called “shamefully” exploiting the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Tehran of using its control over the narrow waterway as a leverage tool rather than a neutral commercial corridor. He argued that Iran’s actions in the Strait risk not only regional stability but also global energy‑supply chains and freedom of navigation, and insisted that the situation can only be addressed through a multilateral, rules‑based framework.
The British Prime Minister announced plans to collaborate with French President Emmanuel Macron to organise an international conference on the Strait of Hormuz, with the goal of establishing a joint‑security and trade‑stability mechanism that includes littoral states, major importers, and key naval‑powers. He said the conference would seek to prevent future blockades, reduce the risk of military accidents, and ensure that commercial shipping can move freely without being held hostage to political or military ultimatums. The move is being framed in open‑source diplomatic channels as part of London’s effort to position the UK as a central coordinator in the broader Middle East‑stability effort, alongside the US‑brokered dialogue.
Key highlights
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Ceasefire seen as “highly fragile” by Starmer
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China also says ceasefire “very fragile,” warns of risks
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Lebanon must be urgently included in peace talks
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Iran blamed for “shamefully” using Strait of Hormuz
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Starmer, Macron to hold Hormuz security conference
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Aim: secure energy routes, prevent further escalation
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Two powers back diplomacy, reject unilateral escalation