Khaberni - After recent criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that his country will not be dragged into the ongoing war in the Middle East between Iran, America, and Israel, and "will not succumb to pressure".
Starmer said in a speech delivered today, Wednesday, "This is not our war and we will not be drawn into it."
He also emphasized that the most important thing currently is to de-escalate and to open the Strait of Hormuz, expressing the UK's readiness to take a leading role in that issue.
35 countries
He added that his country had communicated with 35 countries to organize a meeting regarding the critical issue of the Strait of Hormuz. He confirmed the need for an international alliance to secure this passage through which one-fifth of the world's oil and gas shipments pass.
Furthermore, he noted that "the Middle East war is not our war but it affects us." He considered that "opening the Strait of Hormuz is a critical factor in controlling energy prices."
He also explained that the "Foreign Minister will host an international meeting this week to study the best diplomatic and political means to restore freedom of navigation."
He also reassured his citizens that Britain is "in a good position to face the consequences of this war," adding that "engaging in the war is not in the national interest of the country."
"Paper tiger"
In response to Trump's threats about the possibility of withdrawing from NATO, Starmer emphasized that London will not succumb to pressure. He confirmed that "NATO is the most effective military alliance the world has known." He added: "Whatever the pressure, I will act based on our national interests."
Over the past days, the U.S. President has been criticizing Britain and other European countries for not being enthusiastic about sending military forces to secure the Strait of Hormuz, which has seen reduced activity and navigation largely paralyzed due to Iranian threats.
Trump also described NATO as a "paper tiger," considering that his country does not need it, and hinting at the possibility of withdrawing from it.
Since the outbreak of the war on February 28 between Iran, America, and Israel, Iranian threats to ships have paralyzed navigation, leading to a significant rise in energy and oil prices.
