During a visit to the Gulf following 39 days of escalating tensions in the Middle East, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed military forces stationed in Saudi Arabia, officially speaking out on the newly reached ceasefire regarding Iran. Starmer asserted that the core objective of the UK now is to make this ceasefire permanent and to restore global trade through the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking to members of the Royal Saudi Air Force, the UK Royal Air Force (RAF), and defense partner BAE, Prime Minister Starmer expressed his gratitude for their “collective self-defense” efforts over the past six weeks. He acknowledged a palpable “sense of real relief” across the region and back in the UK now that a ceasefire has been established.

However, Starmer emphasized that the work has only just begun. “It’s our job to work with other countries in the region… not only on the cessation of hostilities but also on opening the Strait of Hormuz,” he stated. The Prime Minister noted that the closure of the strait has had a massive global impact, causing daily fluctuations in energy prices that directly affect the cost of living for the British public.

To alleviate concerns within the UK’s shipping, finance, insurance, and energy sectors, Starmer highlighted that the UK Foreign Secretary recently convened a political meeting with 30 countries to build diplomatic confidence, aiming to pave the way for ships to safely transit the area once again.

During the press interview portion of the visit, the Prime Minister faced tough questions about the UK allegedly being sidelined, given that the ceasefire deal was reportedly brokered by Pakistan and pushed over the line by China. Furthermore, reporters pressed him on the “fury” of US President Donald Trump over the UK’s refusal to join American strikes against Iran.

Steadfastly defending his position, the Prime Minister asserted: “This war wasn’t our war… I’ve acted as you would expect of a British Prime Minister, which is by being absolutely focused on what is our national interest.”

Starmer argued that the UK’s decision not to participate in the offensive was based on strict principles: the UK would not get involved in any military action without a “lawful basis” and a “viable, thought-through plan.” Despite not joining the offensive strikes, he maintained that the UK has successfully carried out “collective self-defense” measures to protect allied and British interests in the region.

“I act in the British national interest, and nothing but nothing is going to deflect me from that,” Starmer concluded.

The Prime Minister’s visit takes place against a backdrop of lingering risks, particularly as Israel continues its military actions in Lebanon and questions remain over whether Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) will exercise the necessary restraint to maintain the peace.