UK's Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has welcomed a ceasefire between Iran and the United States, that was reached overnight, as he travels to the Gulf to support diplomatic efforts to sustain the agreement and stabilise the region.
Starmer said the deal would bring “a moment of relief” globally but stressed the need to turn the pause in fighting into a lasting agreement.
Downing Street said the Prime Minister will hold talks with regional leaders to support and uphold the ceasefire, with a focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz a key global shipping route.
In first comments on the deal, Starmer said, "Together with our partners we must do all we can to support and sustain this ceasefire, turn it into a lasting agreement and re-open the Strait of Hormuz."
He's also expected to meet UK military personnel in the region as part of his Gulf trip, which was planned before the ceasefire announcement.
It follows Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper's virtual summit with representatives of more than 40 nations last week, discussing plans to reopen the Strait.
Conservative figures including former foreign secretary James Cleverly who said the pause in fighting must now be used to pressure Iran into long-term changes. He said the ceasefire is an "opportunity for Iran to make some serious choices" about how it behaves at home and abroad.
The agreement comes after U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran of severe consequences if it failed to end hostilities and unblock the Strait, prompting renewed calls from Westminster for de-escalation.
The ceasefire, agreed on Tuesday (7 April) shortly before a deadline set by Washington was set to end, remains conditional. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said it depended on Iran agreeing to the “complete, immediate, and safe opening” of the waterway.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, said Tehran would agree to the ceasefire if attacks against the country stopped. He added that safe passage through the Strait would be guaranteed for a two-week period.
The conflict began 28 February after coordinated strikes by the U.S. and Israel, driven by concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme. Tehran responded with attacks across the Gulf and the wider Middle East, including disruption to maritime traffic.
The Strait of Hormuz carries around a fifth of the world’s energy shipments, and the escalation led to sharp increases in global oil prices, as well as rising petrol and diesel costs.
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Armenia's ruling Civil Contract party is leading in a parliamentary election with 54.44% of the vote, according to early voting results from Armenia's electoral commission that were broadcast on public TV.
A powerful earthquake struck off the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on Monday (8 June), killing at least 3 people and triggering tsunami warnings across the region.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 8 June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The results of Armenia’s parliamentary elections will determine the makeup of the National Assembly and shape the country's political direction for the foreseeable future. But in Armenia, the final result is not decided by vote percentages alone. Here's how it works.
Counting is underway in Armenia's elections. The results of the vote are set to determine the political direction of the country of three million people for the next few years. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is hoping to fend off challenges from several pro-Russia candidates to secure a third term.
Armenian authorities arrested six candidates from the pro-Russian Strong Armenia bloc on Saturday, one day before voters were due to take part in parliamentary elections.
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Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry has confirmed the number of casualties its citizens suffered as a result of the 5 June drone attacks on the cargo ships Natra and Zircon in the Sea of Azov. In a statement, it said four Azerbaijani citizens were killed and four others were injured.
Armenia's ruling Civil Contract party is leading in a parliamentary election with 54.44% of the vote, according to early voting results from Armenia's electoral commission that were broadcast on public TV.
Israel said it struck military targets in western and central Iran on Monday, even after U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to refrain from further attacks.
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U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “crazy” during a phone exchange over fighting in Lebanon. The call came as the U.S. was attempting to broker an end to hostilities involving Iran.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) said on Monday they targeted the source of an attack on a telecom facility on Sirik Island near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Tasnim News Agency reported.
Iran really wanted to make a deal with the U.S. and that it would be a good one for Washington and its allies, President Donald Trump said on Monday.
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