Donald Trump has said he is 'not happy' with Prime Minister Keir Starmer after Britain refused to join efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid the escalating conflict involving Iran. The president said he was 'very surprised' that the United Kingdom would not send warships, arguing that close allies should be 'involved enthusiastically' in protecting oil shipments and lowering global energy prices.

Starmer insisted Britain would not be drawn into a wider war in the Middle East, saying he wanted to see the conflict end as quickly as possible. While he signalled openness to a viable collective plan, no decision has been taken to deploy naval vessels, with the government instead considering limited defensive support such as anti-mine measures.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which around a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes, has effectively been closed by Iran, sending prices higher and raising fears of a global recession. Trump suggested that countries helping to protect shipping would face minimal risk, but a former British defence chief warned that naval vessels could be vulnerable.

Experts have cautioned that prolonged disruption could lead to fuel rationing, medicine shortages and empty supermarket shelves in Britain within weeks. The government is reportedly considering targeted financial support for vulnerable households, while warning energy companies against profiting from the crisis and reiterating plans to expand renewable energy to reduce long-term costs.