Starmer praises Pakistan’s ‘critical role’ in US-Iran peace talks
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London: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ahead of the US–Iran peace talks, praising Islamabad’s “critical role” in helping secure a ceasefire in West Asia, according to Downing Street.
A Downing Street readout said the leaders also discussed the urgent need to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz during their phone call on Friday, just hours before US Vice President J. D. Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf arrived in Islamabad for the negotiations.
“The Prime Minister said the ceasefire was very welcome and thanked Sharif for Pakistan’s critical role,” the statement said, adding that both leaders agreed the upcoming talks were vital to turning the ceasefire into lasting peace and ensuring full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Downing Street noted that while it was still early days, the UK supported the process and hoped it would lead to a long-term resolution of the conflict. Both sides also acknowledged the deep and longstanding ties between the UK and Pakistan and agreed to remain in contact.
Starmer recently concluded a three-day Gulf tour, visiting Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, where he held discussions on defence and economic resilience with regional leaders.
Speaking to the media at the end of his visit, Starmer said there was a “real desire” among Gulf partners to strengthen cooperation. He warned that the conflict was having direct economic consequences at home, particularly on energy prices.
“This is impacting us back at home, on our economy… this conflict is going to define us for a generation and we must respond with strength,” he said.
Earlier, Starmer also expressed frustration over global energy instability linked to geopolitical tensions, saying he was “fed up” with fluctuating household and business bills driven by international conflicts involving leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump.
The issue has strained US–UK relations, with Trump criticising Britain’s decision not to join military actions alongside Israel against Iran. Starmer had earlier spoken with Trump about the need for a practical plan to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz following a two-week ceasefire agreement.
A Downing Street spokesperson said both leaders agreed that with a ceasefire in place and agreement to reopen the Strait, the next step was to ensure safe and swift movement of shipping through the route.
Meanwhile, global attention remains focused on the high-stakes talks in Pakistan, seen as crucial to resolving a conflict that has disrupted the international economy.
US Vice President J. D. Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf have already arrived in Pakistan for the negotiations, as the world awaits a breakthrough to ease tensions in West Asia.
With PTI inputs