Trump humiliated as main ally refuses to send any backup warships to Hormuz

UK Prime Minister refuses to send British warships to Strait of Hormuz despite Trump pressure, as Iran warns involvement would mean entering US-Israel war and oil prices surge to $106 per barrel

Starmer is holding firm against Donald Trump’s call for naval backup in the Strait of Hormuz – despite oil surging to $106 per barrel overnight and the Prime Minister preparing to allocate £50 million in emergency support for households most severely affected by skyrocketing energy bills.

The US president had urged a “team effort” to counter Iran’s blockade of the globe’s most vital oil passage, yet Britain, France, Germany and South Korea all resisted on Sunday, highlighting mounting international concern that the confrontation was sliding toward an indefinite conflict with no clear resolution.

Tehran delivered a stark warning about the consequences of any involvement. Iran’s deputy foreign minister conveyed directly to Starmer: “We are not at war with the UK … but any participation in this war would be regarded as participating in the US-Israel war of aggression against Iran.”

READ MORE: Donald Trump warned UFC White House will not be sanctioned without $100 permitREAD MORE: Trump slammed online for ‘indefensible’ four-word comment about fallen US soldiers

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband stopped short of ruling anything out completely, noting “all options” were under consideration alongside allies – including jointly-developed mine-hunting drones with France capable of operating ten times faster than traditional minesweepers. However, deploying warships remains off limits.

HMS Dragon, the sole vessel currently in position, is bound for the eastern Mediterranean to strengthen air defences around Cyprus – not the Gulf, reports the Express.

£50 million but not for most According to the Telegraph, Starmer’s Monday address from Downing Street will present the crisis through the lens of ordinary workers. “It’s moments like this that tell you what a government is about,” he is anticipated to declare.

“My answer is clear. Whatever challenges lie ahead, this Government will always support working people. That is my first instinct – my first priority – to help you with the cost of living through this crisis.”

However, the details paint a more limited picture. The £50 million relief package extends only to the one million households reliant on heating oil – primarily located in rural Northern Ireland – whilst the vast majority of the nation faces mounting expenses without extra government assistance.

Anglo-American relations grow more strained

Each passing day that Britain remains on the sidelines deepens the divide with Washington. Trump dismissed Starmer as “no Churchill” after the UK refused to support the initial US airstrikes on Iran, and the warship rejection won’t help mend fences.

The two leaders held a telephone conversation Sunday evening, acknowledging the “importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz” – though acknowledging significance falls short of coordinating concrete measures.

Trump left no ambiguity about his stance on a ceasefire during a Saturday night interview. “Iran wants to make a deal, and I don’t want to make it because the terms aren’t good enough yet,” he stated.

Iran rejected this characterization outright, denying any ceasefire request and dismissing any foundation for talks. Trump is anticipated to reveal a group of nations prepared to provide naval escorts through the strait in the coming days, although several prospective allies are reportedly holding back their commitment until hostilities cease – a situation that amplifies pressure on Washington to pursue negotiations.

Markets prepare for deterioration

The weekend’s aerial bombardments on Kharg Island – the installation responsible for processing the vast majority of Iran’s crude oil shipments – unsettled markets even before trading commenced. The Express highlighted on Friday that Trump hinted the US could strike Kharg Island once more “just for fun,” a comment that offered little reassurance to investors.

JP Morgan characterized the attacks as “an escalation in the conflict” and cautioned that “an acute shortage of products” would begin materializing by week’s end. Experts at Panmure Liberum projected Brent Crude reaching up to $110 per barrel at Monday’s opening.

US energy secretary Chris Wright informed reporters on Sunday there were “no guarantees” prices would decline in the coming weeks.

Israeli military authorities dampened expectations of a rapid resolution, indicating the operation could extend for another six weeks – a timeframe that would significantly exceed initial estimates and reshape the economic considerations for every nation observing from afar.