In an interview with Sky News, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Western countries were now fighting on two fronts at once — in Ukraine and in the Middle East. He added that allies would soon hold talks on defense spending.

Starmer said the West had to acknowledge the existence of these two parallel conflicts and noted that he would discuss with partners what additional steps could be taken.

He also said British forces had been authorized to detain vessels from the so-called shadow fleet in UK waters. According to him, each case will be handled individually, with military personnel required to consult specialist experts before taking action against any particular ship.

Earlier, Western media reported that Starmer intended to push for the creation of an international coalition to unblock the Strait of Hormuz. London has already granted Washington access to its military bases in the region.

According to The Guardian, the UK Ministry of Defence has already sent planning specialists to US Central Command. There, they are expected to examine possible routes for tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz.