London, 16 March (H.S.): US President Donald Trump held urgent talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday over the escalating crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, voicing profound alarm at disruptions threatening global oil flows.A Downing Street spokesperson revealed the leaders underscored the imperative to reopen the vital chokepoint—now effectively blockaded for weeks due to Iran’s retaliatory strikes amid the US-Israel-Iran conflict—to restore maritime transit and curb soaring energy prices worldwide.

Starmer extended condolences for US troops lost in the fray, with both agreeing to maintain close coordination. The call followed Trump’s Saturday plea for warships from Britain, China, France, Japan, South Korea, and others to secure the strait, which channels nearly 20% of global oil.

Shortly after, Starmer conferred with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the Middle East turmoil, amplifying transatlantic efforts to navigate the standoff.independentDonald Trump urges UK, France and China to send warships to keep Strait of Hormuz open after Iran attacks | The IndependentThis comes after US strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island oil hub, with Trump vowing relentless pressure to neutralize threats from drones, mines, and missiles lingering in the waterway.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar