By Ayodele Abere
Global oil prices remain volatile as the UK and US move to draft a “practical plan” for escorting commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, despite a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Iran.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed Friday that he discussed military logistics and convoy capabilities with U.S.
President Donald Trump on April 10, with shipping through the strategic waterway “at a virtual standstill” even after hostilities paused.
“We’ve been pulling together a coalition of countries looking at military capabilities and the logistics of actually moving vessels through the Strait,” Starmer said during his Gulf tour.
“That was the focus of the discussion last night, a focus on a practical plan in relation to navigation.”
The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly 20% of global oil flows. Its closure or restricted access has kept Brent crude elevated, with traders wary of any disruption to the two-week ceasefire terms.
President Trump has pressed for immediate, “toll-free navigation,” warning Iran on social media against imposing fees for passage. Starmer backed that stance, saying the waterway must stay open to stabilize energy prices.
Starmer’s trip through Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar was aimed at locking in the ceasefire and ensuring the agreement to open the Strait holds. He described the situation as “fragile.”
The UK recently convened military planners from over 40 countries to coordinate protection of shipping routes. London and Washington say they will stay in “close contact” to push for a lasting resolution as the ceasefire window ticks down.
Energy analysts say markets are pricing in risk until tankers visibly resume transit. Any convoy arrangement would need to balance deterrence with de-escalation to avoid reigniting conflict.
