UK Urges Inclusion of Lebanon in Ceasefire, Pushes for Free Navigation in Strait of Hormuz

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London: Britain has called for Lebanon to be included in the ongoing Middle East ceasefire, while also stressing the need to restore unhindered global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Yvette Cooper said the United Kingdom “strongly” wants the ceasefire to extend to Lebanon, expressing concern over recent Israeli strikes.

“We do want to see the ceasefire extended to Lebanon. I’m deeply troubled about the escalating attacks,” she said, highlighting the humanitarian impact and mass displacement of civilians.

Her remarks came as Keir Starmer arrived in the United Arab Emirates as part of a Gulf visit aimed at strengthening the fragile ceasefire and engaging with regional leaders.

Cooper is also expected to emphasise the urgent need to restore maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz, where traffic has remained severely limited despite the ceasefire between the United States and Iran.

She called for immediate action to support international efforts to move stranded vessels and assist thousands of seafarers stuck in the waterway, stressing that shipping routes must remain open, toll-free and secure.

“The full and unconditional reopening of the strait must be central not only to the current ceasefire but to the region’s long-term future,” she is expected to say, adding that international waterways should not be restricted or commercialised.

The developments come as Iran announced alternative shipping routes due to concerns over sea mines in the strategic passage.

During his visit, Starmer also met Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, where discussions focused on sustaining the ceasefire and working towards a lasting peace.

According to Downing Street, the UK is working with international partners to develop practical steps that would restore confidence in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

The visit follows a virtual meeting of military planners from more than 30 countries hosted by Britain earlier this week.

The Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route, has remained largely disrupted since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran in late February, affecting supplies of oil, liquefied natural gas and fertilisers worldwide.