United Kingdom will not be drawn into a broader war in the Middle East despite rising tensions in the region, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Monday.
Speaking at a news conference, Starmer emphasized that his government’s priority is to support diplomatic efforts aimed at bringing the conflict to an end while working with international partners to maintain stability in global energy markets.
The prime minister said Britain would continue cooperating with its allies to develop what he described as a “viable collective plan” designed to restore freedom of navigation for vessels operating near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime routes for energy shipments, with a significant portion of global oil exports passing through the narrow waterway each day.
“We've already acted alongside other countries to release emergency oil stocks at a level that is completely unprecedented,” Starmer said.
“But ultimately we have to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to ensure stability in the market,” he added.
The British leader’s remarks come as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate following military confrontations involving United States, Israel and Iran.
The conflict has raised concerns about the security of global energy supplies and the safety of shipping routes across the Persian Gulf region.
In response to the disruptions, several countries have coordinated efforts to release emergency oil reserves in order to stabilize global markets and offset potential shortages.
Starmer said the UK had joined these international efforts, describing the release of emergency oil stocks as unprecedented in scale.
However, he stressed that restoring normal shipping operations in the Strait of Hormuz remains essential to ensuring long-term stability in energy markets and preventing further economic disruption.
Despite international pressure for stronger military responses to developments in the region, Starmer reiterated that Britain has no intention of participating in offensive military operations against Iran.
The prime minister defended his decision not to join any military offensive, acknowledging that his stance had attracted criticism from some quarters.
“Sending UK troops into war is the most serious responsibility for any prime minister,” Starmer said.
He emphasized that any decision to deploy British forces into conflict must meet strict legal and strategic requirements.
According to Starmer, military action should only be considered when there is a clear legal basis and a carefully developed strategy outlining the objectives and potential consequences.
Such decisions, he said, require a “properly thought-through plan” before troops can be committed.
The prime minister argued that pursuing diplomatic solutions remains the most effective way to address the current crisis and reduce the risk of a wider regional conflict.
Ending the fighting, he said, would not only help stabilize the Middle East but would also have positive economic effects for countries around the world.
“Ending war is the quickest way to reduce the cost of living,” Starmer said during the briefing.
The conflict has already had ripple effects across global markets, particularly in energy prices, which play a significant role in household expenses and national economies.
Higher fuel and energy costs often translate into increased transportation and production costs, which can drive up the prices of goods and services.
To address these economic pressures, Starmer announced a number of domestic measures aimed at protecting households from rising living costs.
Among the steps outlined by the government is a temporary cap on energy bills that will remain in place until the end of June.
The government also plans to extend a fuel duty cap until September, a move designed to prevent further increases in fuel prices for motorists and businesses.
In addition, Starmer announced a financial support package worth £53 million (about $70 million) to assist individuals and communities affected by rising heating oil costs.
Heating oil is widely used in rural areas of the United Kingdom, where households often rely on it as a primary source of home heating.
The support package aims to provide relief to residents facing higher energy expenses during a period of volatility in global fuel markets.
Officials say the government’s measures are intended to cushion the impact of international energy disruptions while diplomatic efforts continue to address the underlying geopolitical crisis.
Analysts note that the Strait of Hormuz remains central to global concerns about the conflict.
Located between Iran and Oman, the waterway serves as the main export route for oil produced in several Gulf countries.
Any prolonged disruption to shipping in the strait could have serious consequences for international energy supplies and global economic stability.
Governments across Europe and beyond have therefore been closely monitoring developments in the region while weighing possible responses.
For the United Kingdom, Starmer’s comments signal a strategy focused on diplomacy, economic protection and cooperation with allies rather than direct military involvement.
The prime minister said his government would continue working with international partners to pursue a resolution that restores stability in the region and safeguards the global economy.
As the situation evolves, Britain is expected to remain engaged in diplomatic discussions and coordinated international efforts aimed at securing maritime routes and reducing tensions in the Middle East.
