While outlining the government’s strategy for the conflict and its economic ramifications, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a warning that how Britain handles the Iran crisis “will define us for a generation.”

“This is not our war, we will not be drawn into the conflict,” Starmer emphasized during a press conference in Downing Street. That is not in the best interests of our country.

Nonetheless, he declared that Britain would play a major diplomatic role, especially in attempts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been blocked by the fighting. Reopening the crucial shipping route is “the most effective way we can support the cost of living in Britain,” according to him.

The Prime Minister added that Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper would host talks involving 35 countries later this week to “assess all viable diplomatic and political measures we can take to restore freedom of navigation.”

Starmer also pointed to a recent reduction in household energy costs, noting that the Ofgem price cap has fallen to £1,641 for an average dual-fuel household until June 30, a 6.6% decrease from the previous quarter. The briefing marked his third public update on the crisis, which has driven up global oil and gas prices and raised concerns about economic stability.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump criticised the UK for not joining military strikes in the Middle East, suggesting countries affected by supply disruptions should “build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT.”

Responding, Starmer reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to NATO, saying: “NATO is the single most effective military alliance the world has ever seen, and it has kept us safe for many decades, and we are fully committed to NATO. And secondly, whatever the pressure on me and others, whatever the noise, I’m going to act in the British national interest in all the decisions I make.”