British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged the US and Iran to “find a way out” after high-level talks between the two countries ended inconclusively despite lengthy negotiations.
In a statement issued in London on 12 April, Starmer also called for the shaky truce to be maintained.
“It was crucial that the truce continue and that all sides avoid further escalation,” Starmer said during a phone call with the leader of Oman, a Gulf country.
The two leaders also discussed efforts to reopen passage through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed to oil tanker traffic, causing energy prices to skyrocket in Britain and around the world.
The call came hours after the US and Iranian leaders wrapped up talks without a breakthrough. Travelling to the US, US Vice President JD Vance said: “We had a number of meaningful discussions with the Iranians. That’s the good news.”
“The bad news is that we have not reached agreement. And I think that’s much worse news for Iran than it is for the United States,” he continued.
Iranian officials have signalled that they may be open to upcoming talks, but have placed the blame for the breakdown in negotiations on the Americans.
Britain, one of Washington’s closest allies, has reacted coolly to the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.
London was due to hold further talks next week on opening the Strait of Hormuz.