Britain ‘Doing Everything We Can’ To De-escalate Iran War And Reopen Strait Of Hormuz, Says UK PM Andy Burnham After Talks With Trump

LONDON:Britain is “doing everything we can” to de-escalate the Iran war and support the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Thursday, adding that he had discussed the issue with US President Donald Trump last week.

Burnham said he wanted an agreement that reopened the strait “without any nuclear capability in Iran,” and that a “good resolution” was possible “if all sides are now focused.”

What He Said To Reporters Oct 29 (Reuters / Al Jazeera / Arab News):

 “We are doing everything that we can to de-escalate the situation, to support the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. But, of course, it’s without any nuclear capability in Iran.”

Context:

 War: Israel and US launched joint strikes on Tehran and other cities Feb 28, 2026. Iran retaliated with missile/drone waves against Israel, US bases, and tightened control over Hormuz with mines, naval ops.

US Navy claims it cleared key routes and established protected corridor. Iranian Navy commander Rear Adm. Jalil Moghadam to IRNA Oct 29 claims 20+ ops vs US warships, including cruise missile on USS Abraham Lincoln, carrier suspended flights 3 days.

 Iran’s military claimed 4 tankers caught fire after hitting mines trying to navigate Strait. Yemen’s Aden Airport also hit by Houthi ballistic missiles.

Global energy turmoil: UK, France facing jet fuel shortages due to Strait closure. Trump on Truth Social Oct 28: “All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of Strait of Hormuz, like UK, which refused to get involved in decapitation of Iran... buy from US, we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to Strait, and just TAKE IT. You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself... Iran has been essentially decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil!”

 Burnham-Trump call earlier week also covered North Sea Oil, Trade, Military Alliance, Demining Hormuz. Trump called Burnham: “Good conversation, big job ahead, US will help.”

 Burnham, 56, became 59th PM after Keir Starmer resignation. Labour’s 7th PM in a decade. Previously Mayor of Greater Manchester who in 2017 said Trump not welcome now says “this relationship matters so much to us.”

UK and Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq agreed Oct 21 on need to reopen strait to ease supply chains.

Quote Background:Before war, ∼20.3 million barrels petroleum/day  25% global seaborne oil trade  passed Hormuz.