UK Premier Starmer Welcomes US-Iran Peace Deal, Offers Support for Technical Talks

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed strong approval on Sunday evening for the peace agreement reached between the United States and Iran, describing it as a "significant breakthrough" in the trajectory of regional tensions. He stated that the accord opens the door to a new phase of de-escalation and the resumption of diplomatic efforts.

Starmer warmly welcomed the announced agreement, congratulating US President Donald Trump alongside international mediators, notably Pakistan and Qatar, as well as other parties that contributed to advancing the negotiations. He emphasized the collective role played in achieving this progress.

Highlighting urgent priorities for the upcoming period, the British prime minister stressed the need to "restore freedom of navigation without fees" in the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that the strait is a vital artery for global energy trade, handling a large percentage of oil and gas exports, and any disruption there carries extensive international economic repercussions.

Starmer added that the United Kingdom is prepared to support the technical talks expected to commence following the agreement’s announcement. These discussions aim to develop the implementation details and ensure adherence to the accord’s provisions. He underscored that the UK will continue coordinating with international partners to strengthen stability in the region.

At the same time, Starmer reiterated the UK's "firm and unwavering" position against Iran possessing nuclear weapons, affirming that this issue will remain central to any negotiation track or future arrangements among the involved parties.

In his statement, Starmer said: "I warmly welcome the agreement reached today between the United States and Iran. This step represents a crucial advancement towards ending the war, enhancing regional stability, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz."

He extended congratulations to President Donald Trump and the mediators from Pakistan, Qatar, and others who contributed to this achievement. "We have consistently called for de-escalation, and this agreement marks the progress we hoped to achieve," he added.

Starmer stressed that efforts should now focus on the full implementation of the memorandum of understanding to guarantee the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and its continuous, complete accessibility. He confirmed the UK’s readiness to back the technical talks that will begin within this framework. "Our priority is to establish a lasting and sustainable peace, and we will continue working with our international partners to realize this," he said.

The prime minister also emphasized the necessity of restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz without imposing fees, which would help alleviate the severe economic impacts endured by people over several months, both in the UK and globally.

He affirmed ongoing cooperation with partners to support this process, including, if necessary, advancing the establishment of a multilateral and independent defense mission. The UK and France have played leading roles in planning this mission, particularly in providing support for mine clearance through an agreed mechanism.

To ensure the durability of any peace, Starmer highlighted the importance of strong, verifiable, and fully implemented commitments, especially regarding Iran’s nuclear program. He reiterated the UK’s steadfast stance: Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons.

This British position follows the announcement of a peace agreement between the US and Iran that includes an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations across various fronts. This development marks a notable shift after a period of intense escalation between the two sides.

The agreement is expected to culminate in an official signing ceremony in Switzerland on June 19. Meanwhile, international mediators are preparing to hold preliminary meetings in the coming days to finalize the technical and organizational aspects of the accord.

The UK's positive reception, alongside other international responses, reflects recognition of the importance of this development in reducing regional tensions. This is particularly relevant given the connection of several Middle Eastern issues—both direct and indirect—to Washington-Tehran relations, including Gulf navigation security and conditions in various regional arenas.

The next phase is anticipated to focus on testing the robustness of this agreement and its ability to withstand political and security challenges. Global markets are closely monitoring for any positive signals that could contribute to stabilizing energy supplies and easing related concerns.