The Foreign Office has issued a stark warning over escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf, following claims by former President Donald Trump that a secret deal had been reached to guarantee safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The statement, released late Tuesday, describes the situation as “highly volatile” and urges all parties to exercise restraint.
Whitehall sources have confirmed that no such agreement exists between Washington and Tehran, and that Mr Trump’s assertion appears to be based on unsubstantiated claims. The Foreign Office stressed that any unilateral action could destabilise an already fragile region, where British naval vessels continue to patrol as part of international efforts to maintain freedom of navigation.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway through which about a fifth of the world’s oil passes, has been a flashpoint for decades. Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the strait in response to sanctions or military pressure. In 2019, the UK joined the US-led Operation Sentinel after a series of tanker seizures by Iranian forces.
Experts at Chatham House have described Mr Trump’s remarks as “deeply unhelpful”, noting that they risk undermining the carefully calibrated diplomatic efforts being pursued by the Biden administration and European allies. A senior analyst said: “The strait is a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies. Any perception of a deal that excludes key stakeholders, including the UK and EU, could trigger a miscalculation by Iran’s hardliners.”
The Foreign Office’s warning comes as Iran’s foreign ministry denied any knowledge of a deal, calling Mr Trump’s comments “baseless and provocative”. In Tehran, hardline newspapers have seized on the remarks to bolster claims that the US cannot be trusted to honour agreements, complicating ongoing nuclear talks in Vienna.
British officials are now scrambling to clarify the situation with counterparts in Washington and the Gulf states. A defence source confirmed that HMS Diamond, a Type 45 destroyer, remains on station in the region but declined to comment on any changes to operational posture.
Analysts point out that the Strait of Hormuz is not just a strategic asset but also a symbol of Iranian sovereignty. Any perceived encroachment, even through a rumoured deal, could provoke a response ranging from harassment of commercial shipping to more aggressive military posturing.
The Foreign Office statement concluded with a call for “maximum transparency” and an appeal to all parties to abide by international law. With energy prices already elevated due to the war in Ukraine, any disruption to tanker traffic would have immediate global repercussions.
For now, the situation remains tense but stable. However, the combination of leaked claims, denied agreements, and heightened rhetoric creates a dangerous cocktail. The UK’s priority is to prevent any escalation that could draw British forces into a confrontation, while preserving the delicate balance of power in the Gulf.
