Sir Keir Starmer held a phone call with Donald Trump this evening to discuss the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, and the shared priority to reopen shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz.
The pair engaged in a 20 minute call, described as a “constructive” discussion on how the two nations would continue to work together to achieve the shared preferred outcomes.
The conversation came mere hours after the US President mocked the Prime Minister, reacting to Saturday Night Live UK’s inaugural episode after it opened with a jab at Sir Keir.
A Downing Street spokesman said: “The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, this evening.
“The leaders discussed the current situation in the Middle East, and in particular, the need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to resume global shipping.
“They agreed that reopening the Strait of Hormuz was essential to ensure stability in the global energy market.
“They agreed to speak again soon”.
The Prime Minister earlier granted the US permission to use RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia bases to enact defensive strikes on Iran, which had been targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Keir Starmer holds phone call with Donald trump just HOURS after President mocked Prime Minister | Reuters / PA
Friction between the two leaders has mounted over the past week, with Donald Trump publicly claiming he was “disappointed” in the UK for a lackluster response to the crisis, warning the “special relationship” between the nations had taken a hit as a result.
Earlier today, just hours before the call was held, the President openly mocked Sir Keir for his featuring in the opening episode of Saturday Night Live UK.
Taking to Truth Social, President Trump reposted the skit to his profile, seemingly endorsing its mockery of his peer across the pond.
In the skit, George Fouracres portrayed a visibly anxious Keir Starmer seated at his desk, a framed photograph of Trump positioned behind him, as he prepared to deliver unwelcome news to the American president about Britain’s reluctance to join the war effort.
The sketch reflected genuine tensions between the two leaders.
It reflected President Trump’s criticism of the UK’s response to the escalating situation on Friday, telling reporters: “I was a little surprised at the UK They should have acted a lot faster”.