Brussels, April 2 — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she spoke by phone with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer about rising tensions in the Middle East and threats to maritime routes, warning that Iran’s recent actions endanger global economic stability.
In a post on X, von der Leyen described the call as constructive and said they discussed the situation in the region, including developments in the Strait of Hormuz. She emphasized that the EU will cooperate with international partners to restore freedom of navigation as quickly as possible.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global energy shipments, has been a focal point of escalating geopolitical friction during the ongoing West Asia conflict.
Von der Leyen and Starmer also used the conversation to prepare for the upcoming EU–UK Summit, with von der Leyen calling the meeting an opportunity to advance last year’s commitments and deepen bilateral cooperation.
Prime Minister Starmer warned that the conflict involving Iran will have implications for Britain’s future but said the UK is ready to withstand the economic consequences. He stressed that the UK will not become militarily involved, arguing that direct engagement would not serve the national interest.
Starmer linked efforts to ease pressure on household budgets to de-escalation in the Middle East and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, saying diplomatic measures are the best way to protect the cost of living. To that end, he announced that Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will convene international partners later this week to explore diplomatic and political steps to restore safe passage, protect vessels and seafarers currently trapped, and resume the flow of essential commodities.
Starmer said the UK has been coordinating widely: the foreign secretary and chancellor have consulted G7 counterparts, the defence secretary has engaged regional partners, and 35 nations have backed the UK’s statement of intent to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf.
The leaders’ statements underscore increasing Western concern about the economic and security fallout from tensions in the Gulf and signal efforts to mobilize a diplomatic and multilateral response to protect shipping lanes and global markets.
