Downing Street: Starmer, Trump Discuss Freedom of Navigation in Strait of Hormuz

6 hours ago 2

March 16, 2026 | 08:54 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and United States President Donald Trump discussed efforts to maintain freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Downing Street.

"The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the United States Donald Trump this evening. The leaders 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," the prime minister's office said, as quoted by Antara.

Starmer also discussed freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

The Wall Street Journal previously reported, citing several U.S. officials, that the White House planned to announce the formation of a coalition this week to escort ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Previously, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that the U.S. military would likely not begin escorting commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz until the end of March. He argued that the U.S. Navy lacks the necessary capabilities.

Amid the escalating conflict with Iran, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz—a key route for oil and liquefied natural gas from the Persian Gulf to global markets—has virtually ground to a halt.

Amid growing security threats, insurance companies are raising premiums and reviewing their coverage.

Read: Australia, Japan Reject Trump's Call for Strait of Hormuz Escort Mission

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