The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy routes, with about 20% of global oil shipments usually passing through it.3 min readMar 16, 2026 05:27 AM IST First published on: Mar 16, 2026 at 05:27 AM IST ShareWhatsapptwitterFacebookUK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has spoken with US President Donald Trump. (File Photo)UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has spoken with US President Donald Trump about the need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to ease disruption to global shipping, according to Downing Street.The call comes after Trump urged Britain and other allies to consider sending warships to help secure the vital waterway, which has been largely disrupted since the United States and Israel began military operations against Iran two weeks ago, the BBC reported.A Downing Street spokeswoman said Starmer and Trump “discussed the ongoing situation in the Middle East and the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz to end the disruption to global shipping, which is driving up costs worldwide”.She added that the British leader also conveyed condolences for American service members killed during the conflict. “They agreed to keep in touch,” the spokeswoman said.Shipping disruption and rising costsThe Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy routes, with about 20% of global oil shipments usually passing through it. Iran’s moves to block the passage have disrupted shipping and pushed up energy prices.Story continues below this adAlso read Iran tells ships passage through Strait of Hormuz ‘not allowed’: ReportSeveral ships have reportedly been attacked near the narrow channel since the conflict began. There are also concerns that mines may have been placed in the waterway.According to a statement attributed to Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Tehran plans to continue blocking the strait as a way to apply economic and political pressure on the US.UK weighing options with alliesUK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said reopening the strait was a global priority and Britain was considering ways to help restore safe passage.“It is very important that the Strait of Hormuz is made safe for shipping,” Miliband told the BBC, adding that options were being discussed with allies.Story continues below this adAlso Read Iran moves to block Strait of Hormuz: What this will mean for India, Tehran, world, in 4 pointsHe said the UK could contribute in different ways, including the use of mine-hunting drones, but declined to give details about possible military steps.Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the strait remains open to ships that are not linked to countries Tehran considers hostile, while warning that tankers connected to its enemies could become targets.AdvertisementLoading Recommendations...Live BlogOscars 2026 Winners LIVE Updates: Sinners, One Battle After Another lock horns one last time; Timothee Chalamet, Michael B Jordan vie for top honours2 minutes agoUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Israel says it still has thousands of targets in Iran, as Trump and Starmer discuss Strait of Hormuz11 minutes agoDubai, Abu Dhabi News Live Updates: UAE intercepts 4 ballistic missiles, 6 drones launched from Iran12 minutes agoElection Date 2026 Announcement Today Live Updates: CPI(M), CPI release first list of candidates for Kerala Assembly polls7 hours agoIndia LPG Gas Cylinder Shortage News Live Updates: 741 cooking gas cylinders seized in Chhattisgarh in drive against hoarding; Brent Crude climbs to $103.141 day ago