Downing Street published a readout on 10 April confirming the Prime Minister spoke with Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif, welcomed the ceasefire, thanked Pakistan for its role, and agreed that upcoming talks should advance the truce and enable the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The UK signalled support for the process and noted longstanding bilateral ties. (gov.uk)
The call coincided with preparations for negotiations hosted by Pakistan, with reports of United States and Iranian delegations heading to Islamabad. Maritime tracking cited in the same reporting indicated only limited transits through the Strait of Hormuz since the ceasefire began on 8 April, underscoring the need for full reopening. (apnews.com)
The strategic importance of Hormuz is clear. The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates average oil flows at around 20.9 million barrels per day in the first half of 2025-about 20% of global petroleum liquids consumption and roughly a quarter of seaborne‑traded oil-with more than one‑fifth of global LNG trade also transiting the strait. (eia.gov)
For the UK, exposure is channelled through gas and LNG dynamics rather than direct crude dependence. Commons Library analysis shows that in 2024, 49% of UK gas demand was imported, with LNG meeting about a quarter of total demand; Norway supplied three‑quarters of UK gas imports, while the United States provided 68% of UK LNG and Qatar 8%. LNG transiting Hormuz is primarily Qatari, meaning disruption at the chokepoint can still ripple through UK supply plans. (researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk)
Re‑establishing predictable passage through Hormuz would help normalise shipping schedules and insurance costs. As the EIA notes, even temporary blockages at major chokepoints can trigger supply delays, higher freight costs and upward pressure on world energy prices-factors UK energy buyers and risk managers will be tracking closely as talks proceed. (eia.gov)
The UK’s posture aligns with its Integrated Review Refresh commitment to uphold freedom of navigation and to deploy naval assets to protect shipping lanes and strategic chokepoints, including the Strait of Hormuz, supported by the Joint Maritime Security Centre. The political signal from No.10’s call sits within that established policy frame. (gov.uk)
In practical terms, officials and businesses will now watch for three developments: confirmation of the negotiating timetable and participants; a measurable, sustained increase in vessel movements through Hormuz; and LNG cargo scheduling to UK terminals as market conditions adjust. Early movement on any of these would indicate whether the truce is easing operational constraints.
The readout also emphasised the UK–Pakistan relationship, reflecting longstanding security, trade and people‑to‑people links. Both leaders agreed to remain in contact as talks progress-an indication that London sees Islamabad’s facilitation role as material to any durable settlement and to restoring stable Gulf energy flows. (gov.uk)