However, the next round of talks organized by the UK will be at a lower level than the first round on April 2. While foreign ministers attended the first set of talks, the next will involve officials at the political director level.
The official quoted above declined to say when the talks will take place, but said they will follow international working groups where practical solutions will be provided.
Britain expects the talks to explore economic and political measures, such as sanctions and working with the International Maritime Organization to free ships trapped in the Persian Gulf.
Britain has insisted there can be no tariffs on shipping through the vital waterway, which normally transports around a third of the world’s oil and natural gas. Defense Secretary John Healey said Thursday that Gulf states agreeing to pay per article could set a precedent that “will be used and abused by others elsewhere.”
Trump floated the idea of the US getting involved in tariffs earlier this week. After an international outcry, he posted on Thursday night: “There are reports that Iran is charging tolls on oil tankers going through the Strait of Hormuz – they better not be and, if they are, they better stop now!”
Starmer said on Friday that he had informed Trump – who has been the target of several recent jibes at Britain – of the plans in a call on Thursday. The Prime Minister said the alliance of nations “is working on a political and diplomatic plan, but also looking at military capabilities and real equipment to move ships through the Strait.”
