“I welcome the ceasefire agreement reached overnight, which will bring a moment of relief to the region and the world,” Starmer said in a statement, adding that efforts must now focus on sustaining the truce and reopening the vital maritime route.

Starmer said Britain would work with partners to support and uphold the ceasefire and turn it into a lasting agreement, while seeking to protect global economic stability by restoring access through the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for oil and gas shipments.

The visit comes amid heightened diplomatic activity following the ceasefire, with London positioning itself in efforts to stabilise energy flows and reduce disruption to global markets.

Starmer, who has faced criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump for not backing recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, has in recent days convened multinational discussions on securing the reopening of the strait.

According to the British government, the prime minister’s discussions in the Gulf will focus on diplomatic measures to reinforce the ceasefire and prevent further escalation that could threaten international trade.

The trip had been scheduled prior to the ceasefire announcement, but now takes on added significance as global attention turns to ensuring uninterrupted passage through one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper also held talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday, discussing coordinated diplomatic steps to reopen the strait, including a UK-led meeting last week that brought together more than 40 countries to address the issue.

Iran has rejected a U.S. ultimatum to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by a deadline set by former U.S. President Donald Trump, as military strikes intensified and diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan approached what officials described as a critical stage.

With hours remaining before the deadline, a senior Iranian source said Tehran would not reopen the strategic waterway without concessions from Washington that had not been offered. The Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy corridor, has effectively been closed by Iran to most international shipping since late February following joint U.S.-Israeli military actions.

Trump warned that failure to comply would result in large-scale destruction of Iranian infrastructure, including power grids and bridges. In a social media post, he stated that “a whole civilization will die tonight,” framing the moment as a pivotal point in global history.

The remarks drew criticism from legal experts, including a former U.S. State Department adviser now with the International Crisis Group, who said the language could be interpreted as a threat violating international norms.

Military activity escalated across Iran throughout the day. Strikes were reported on transport infrastructure, including railway and highway bridges, as well as an airport and a petrochemical facility. U.S. forces also targeted installations on Kharg Island, which hosts Iran’s primary oil export terminal.

Power outages were reported in parts of Karaj following damage to transmission lines and a substation.Iran signalled a broadening of its response. Officials warned that Gulf states aligned with Washington could face retaliatory strikes on critical infrastructure.

A senior Iranian source said such actions could disrupt electricity and water supplies in desert cities dependent on energy systems.Iran’s Revolutionary Guards issued a statement saying previous restraint had ended and that Tehran would seek to deprive the United States and its regional allies of oil and gas resources.

Iranian authorities also claimed responsibility for attacks on a vessel in the Gulf and on a major Saudi petrochemical facility in Jubail, where international energy companies operate.In parallel, reports emerged of an overnight strike on a synagogue in Tehran, which Iranian officials attributed to Israeli forces.

Footage aired by state media showed debris scattered across the site, including religious texts. Israel’s military did not immediately comment on the incident.Diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan continued amid the escalation.

Iranian officials said mediation attempts were “approaching a critical, sensitive stage,” with Islamabad relaying messages between the two sides. A proposal under discussion included a temporary ceasefire and partial reopening of the strait, with broader negotiations to follow.

However, Iranian sources said Tehran had rejected interim arrangements, insisting instead on a permanent cessation of hostilities, guarantees against future attacks and compensation for damage.Iran’s conditions, as outlined through official channels, also included maintaining control over the strait and introducing a mechanism to regulate transit, potentially involving fees.

Prior to the conflict, the waterway functioned as an open international route through which roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies passed.Despite the intensifying conflict, global markets showed limited reaction, reflecting uncertainty over whether the U.S. would carry out the threatened escalation.

Trump has previously issued similar warnings but later stepped back, citing unspecified progress in talks, claims that Iranian officials have denied.On the ground, residents expressed concern over the prospect of further escalation.

A resident in Isfahan said she hoped the latest threats would not materialise, reflecting broader public anxiety as military actions continued.Iran maintains that any negotiations must follow a halt to U.S. and Israeli strikes and include the lifting of sanctions.

Without such measures, officials indicated that Tehran would continue its current posture, including restrictions on maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

As the deadline approached, neither side signalled a willingness to compromise, raising the risk of further escalation in a conflict that has already disrupted regional stability and global energy flows.

Wang Yi has led a flurry of outreach, holding discussions with counterparts across the Middle East and Europe while advocating a ceasefire and reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Beijing has also opposed a United Nations proposal backed by Bahrain that could authorize force to ensure maritime transit through the strait.

Analysts say the diplomatic push reflects China’s broader ambition to project itself as a responsible global power. Sun Yun of the Stimson Center said the conflict presents an opportunity for Beijing to demonstrate leadership, while former U.S. diplomat Danny Russel described the initiative as largely symbolic, comparing it to China’s earlier proposals on Ukraine that lacked implementation.

“It’s messaging, not mediation,” Russel said, arguing that China is seeking to contrast its approach with Washington’s.The administration of Donald Trump has shown limited enthusiasm for third-party mediation, with U.S. officials indicating reluctance to elevate China’s diplomatic role in the Middle East.

One official described Washington’s stance on the China-Pakistan proposal as “agnostic,” though the position could shift ahead of a planned summit between Trump and Xi Jinping expected in mid-May.Beijing has an economic incentive to contain the conflict, particularly disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global energy flows.

While China has reduced its reliance on Iranian oil to about 13 percent of imports and maintains strategic reserves, analysts warn that prolonged instability could raise input costs and weaken global demand for Chinese exports.

China has also worked to secure safe passage for its vessels through the strait, even as tensions have driven up energy prices worldwide. At the same time, Beijing’s position aligns with Moscow’s opposition to measures that could expand the conflict, with both countries wary of endorsing force through the United Nations Security Council.

Diplomatic activity has intensified in recent days, with Wang engaging officials from countries including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Israel, France and the United Arab Emirates. He has also sought backing from European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and regional leaders for China’s ceasefire proposal.

China’s embassy in Washington said Beijing has been working “tirelessly for peace,” while analysts note that its approach emphasizes calls for de-escalation, respect for international law and a greater role for the United Nations.

However, U.S. officials say the proposal lacks operational detail, describing it as a broad appeal rather than a concrete roadmap for ending the conflict. The muted response from Washington underscores broader strategic competition between the two powers, limiting the prospects for coordinated diplomacy.

Meanwhile, efforts at the United Nations continue, with Bahrain revising its proposal to authorize defensive measures to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with a vote expected in the coming days.

“The U.S. military hasn’t even started destroying what’s left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants,” Trump wrote on social media, urging Iran’s leadership to act quickly in response to Washington’s demands.

In a televised address a day earlier, Trump said military operations could intensify over the coming weeks if Tehran did not comply, with possible strikes extending to energy and oil facilities. However, he did not provide a clear timeline for the end of the conflict.

The war, which began on February 28 with coordinated U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, has since expanded, with Tehran launching retaliatory strikes on Israel and Gulf states hosting U.S. military bases. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement, while also driving up global oil prices and increasing volatility in financial markets.

Iranian media, including Fars News Agency, reported that regional infrastructure, including major bridges in neighboring countries, could also face risks following recent strikes.

The latest remarks have drawn scrutiny from legal experts. Dozens of international law specialists in the United States signed an open letter warning that attacks on infrastructure essential for civilian life could violate the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit targeting civilian objects and require distinction between military and non-military assets during armed conflict.

Trump’s statements add to uncertainty surrounding U.S. strategy in the conflict, with shifting objectives and timelines contributing to concerns among analysts about the scope and duration of military operations.

The move, reflected in an update by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, effectively removes restrictions that had limited Rodríguez’s ability to engage with U.S. companies and investors, and underscores Washington’s recognition of her as a legitimate governing authority.

Rodríguez said the decision could open a path toward improved bilateral relations. In a statement posted on her Telegram channel, she described the move as a step toward “normalizing and strengthening relations” and expressed hope that broader sanctions on Venezuela would eventually be lifted to enable deeper cooperation.

The policy change follows the Jan. 3 capture of Maduro and his wife in Caracas by U.S. forces. Both were transferred to New York to face drug trafficking charges and have pleaded not guilty.

Their detention prompted a political transition in which Venezuela’s ruling-party-aligned Supreme Court declared Maduro’s absence temporary and installed Rodríguez as acting president.

Rodríguez, who had previously been sanctioned by Washington during Donald Trump’s first administration, was among senior Venezuelan officials targeted in 2018 for their alleged role in undermining democratic processes after a widely disputed election. Her brother, Jorge Rodríguez, and other members of Maduro’s inner circle were also designated at the time.

Despite those earlier measures, the current administration has opted to engage directly with Rodríguez following Maduro’s removal. U.S. officials have backed her role in implementing a phased plan to stabilize the country’s political and economic system, including outreach to foreign investors and commitments to increased transparency and international arbitration.

The administration has also taken broader steps to ease restrictions on Venezuela’s economy. In March, the Treasury authorized state oil company Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. to resume direct sales to U.S. buyers and access global markets, reversing years of tight sanctions on the country’s energy sector.

In parallel, U.S. authorities have formally recognized Rodríguez as the sole head of state in an ongoing civil case in federal court, further consolidating her standing in Washington’s policy framework.Maduro, however, remains Venezuela’s legal president under the country’s institutional structure.

The Supreme Court’s ruling allows Rodríguez to govern for an initial 90-day period, which is set to expire Friday, with a possible extension to six months subject to approval by the National Assembly, which is controlled by the ruling party and led by her brother.

The developments highlight an evolving U.S. approach toward Venezuela, balancing legal proceedings against Maduro with pragmatic engagement aimed at restoring economic activity and political stability in the oil-rich nation.

Speaking at the White House, Trump said the withdrawal would proceed regardless of whether an agreement is reached with Tehran, adding that U.S. objectives in the conflict were nearing completion.

“We’re finishing the job, and I think within maybe two weeks, maybe a couple of days longer,” Trump said, indicating that the decision to leave would not hinge on negotiations.

“Whether we have a deal or not, it’s irrelevant.”The conflict, which began on Feb. 28, has disrupted global energy markets, with Iran effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz to oil tanker traffic. Trump linked a potential easing of fuel price pressures to a U.S. withdrawal, suggesting that regional dynamics would shift once American forces exit.

He also urged other countries to secure their own energy supplies, signaling a reduced U.S. role in safeguarding maritime routes. “If France or some other country wants to get oil or gas, they’ll go up through the Hormuz Strait and fend for themselves,” Trump said.

In a social media post earlier in the day, Trump reiterated that position, telling countries facing shortages to “go get your own oil,” while asserting that Iran had been significantly weakened.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the coming days would be “decisive” in the conflict, without ruling out the possibility of ground operations. He added that the United States had undertaken extensive efforts to ensure navigational access through the Strait of Hormuz, though he emphasized that future responsibility would not rest solely with Washington.

Hegseth also confirmed an unannounced visit to U.S. forces operating under Central Command, declining to disclose locations for security reasons.Trump said U.S. forces would withdraw once Iran is deemed incapable of developing a nuclear weapon for a prolonged period, framing the campaign as aimed at degrading Tehran’s military and nuclear capabilities.

The remarks come amid strained coordination with allies, many of whom have declined U.S. requests for military support to reopen key shipping lanes.

The administration’s stance suggests a shift toward limiting direct U.S. involvement in securing global energy transit routes despite ongoing instability in the region.

The proposal, endorsed by lawmakers on a security panel, includes “financial arrangements and rial toll systems” aimed at asserting Iran’s sovereign role, according to state television.

The plan also provide for cooperation with Oman, which shares control of the waterway’s southern side.Strategic chokepoint under strainThe Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and gas shipments, has been effectively constrained since the onset of the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.

Tehran has limited passage for vessels it says are linked to adversaries, tightening oversight of maritime traffic.Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps has maintained a security presence in the area, with maritime monitors reporting that only a limited number of ships are currently transiting daily, often via routes approved by Iranian authorities.

Iranian officials have argued that transit fees are necessary to ensure the safety of shipping through the strait. The chairman of a parliamentary civil affairs committee, cited by Fars news agency, said vessels should contribute financially to security arrangements in the corridor.

The proposal signals a potential shift toward formalizing Iran’s control over access to the waterway, raising concerns among energy markets already strained by supply disruptions.Limited passage amid diplomatic signalsSome vessels have been allowed to pass in recent days.

Ishaq Dar said Iran had permitted 20 additional ships to transit the strait, a move he described as supporting regional stability.U.S. President Donald Trump said last week that 10 oil tankers were allowed through as a goodwill gesture during ongoing tensions, though details of any linked negotiations remain unclear.

The extent and timing of the proposed toll system’s implementation have not been specified.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said discussions over the past two days had raised the prospect of a “complete and total resolution of hostilities in the Middle East.” Speaking later to reporters before departing Florida for Memphis, he described the talks as “very, very strong,” adding that negotiators had reached agreement on “almost all points.”

Trump said U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who had previously engaged in negotiations with Iran, held discussions with a senior Iranian official on Sunday evening and were expected to continue talks on Monday. He declined to identify the Iranian interlocutor, stating only that it was not the country’s supreme leader, and said Washington was engaging with “the man who I believe is the most respected and the leader.”

Reporter for Axios said officials from Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan had separately met Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, suggesting a coordinated mediation effort. Iran’s foreign ministry acknowledged unspecified “initiatives” aimed at reducing tensions, according to the Mehr news agency, and reiterated that Tehran expected Washington to participate directly in any negotiations as a principal party to the conflict.

The diplomatic push comes hours before a previously signaled U.S. deadline that had raised the prospect of escalation targeting Iranian energy infrastructure, a move widely seen as carrying significant regional and economic risks.

Trump said he had communicated with Israel, describing the U.S. ally as supportive of ongoing diplomatic efforts. A source briefed on Israeli planning said Washington had kept Israel informed of its contacts with Tehran and indicated that Israel was likely to mirror the U.S. pause by suspending any targeting of Iranian power plants and related infrastructure.

Trump’s comments helped ease immediate concerns of escalation, with oil prices falling and stock markets recovering as investors reassessed geopolitical risk. The prospect of a temporary halt in strikes on energy assets signaled a reduced likelihood of near-term disruption to regional supply.

Diplomatic contacts are expected to continue in the coming days as intermediaries seek to bridge remaining gaps between Washington and Tehran.

Speaking at the National Press Club in Canberra, Birol said the agency would assess market conditions before deciding on further action, after member countries agreed on March 11 to release a record 400 million barrels from strategic reserves to ease surging crude prices.

“If it is necessary, of course, we will do it,” Birol said, adding there was no fixed price threshold that would automatically trigger another coordinated release. He cautioned that stock drawdowns could help stabilise markets but would not resolve underlying supply constraints.

Birol said the Asia-Pacific region was at the forefront of the crisis due to its reliance on energy and critical commodities shipped through the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime corridor affected by the conflict.

He described the current situation in the Middle East as “very severe,” saying its impact exceeded that of the 1970s oil shocks and the gas market fallout from the Russia-Ukraine war combined.

According to Birol, the conflict has removed around 11 million barrels per day from global oil supply, intensifying pressure on economies dependent on imports.“The single most important solution to this problem is opening the Hormuz Strait,” he said.

Birol said stock releases represented only one element of the agency’s response, pointing to demand-side measures such as reduced speed limits and increased remote working to curb fuel consumption.

He noted similar steps had helped lower energy use in Europe in 2022, though implementation would depend on national policy decisions.

“The depth of the problem was not well appreciated by decision makers around the world,” Birol said, explaining his decision to speak publicly weeks into the conflict.

During his visit, Birol met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and reviewed the country’s fuel preparedness. While noting that Australia’s overall liquid fuel reserves remain below IEA requirements, he said recent efforts had improved resilience.

He described Australia’s diesel reserves, currently at around 30 days, as “a solid number” in the current environment.

Birol is scheduled to travel to Japan later this week ahead of a Group of Seven meeting, where energy security and coordinated responses to the supply shock are expected to be discussed.

The warning, delivered by Iranian military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaqari and echoed by senior officials, marked a sharp escalation in rhetoric as the conflict entered its fourth week, raising concerns over potential disruption to critical infrastructure in Gulf countries heavily dependent on desalination for drinking water.

Trump’s ultimatum, issued late Saturday, set a deadline of approximately 7:45 p.m. EDT on Monday for Iran to reopen the strategic waterway, through which roughly a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies typically pass. He said the United States would strike Iranian power plants if Tehran failed to comply.

Iranian officials said any attack on its energy facilities would trigger a broad response targeting U.S.-aligned assets across the region. Zolfaqari stated that energy infrastructure, information technology systems and desalination plants linked to the United States and its regional allies would be considered legitimate targets.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said such strikes could lead to “irreversible destruction” of critical infrastructure in the Middle East. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until damaged Iranian facilities were restored.

Electricity infrastructure is central to Gulf economies, where high per capita consumption supports urban cooling and desalination systems. Bahrain and Qatar rely entirely on desalinated water, while the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia depend on it for the majority of their supply, making such facilities strategically sensitive.

Israeli forces said they began a wide-scale wave of strikes targeting Iranian infrastructure in Tehran early Monday. Iranian media reported casualties, including the death of a child in Khorramabad, and damage to residential areas in Urmia.

Air raid sirens sounded across northern and central Israel, including Tel Aviv and parts of the occupied West Bank, indicating incoming Iranian missile fire. Israeli medical authorities reported dozens injured in earlier strikes on southern towns near key military installations.

Saudi Arabia said it intercepted one of two ballistic missiles launched toward Riyadh, with the second landing in an uninhabited area.The conflict has also extended to Lebanon, where Israel said it conducted raids on Hezbollah sites in the south.

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for rocket attacks on northern Israel, while Israeli authorities reported at least one fatality near the border.

The threat of attacks on infrastructure and uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz have unsettled global markets. Oil prices opened volatile in Asian trading, while European gas prices surged sharply in the past week.Iranian actions have effectively restricted passage through the strait, contributing to what analysts describe as the most severe oil supply disruption since the 1970s.

However, Tehran has said the waterway remains open to vessels not linked to its adversaries, with some ships reportedly negotiating passage under coordinated arrangements.Market analysts said the U.S. ultimatum has heightened uncertainty, with expectations of downward pressure on equities and continued volatility in energy markets.

The war, launched on February 28 by the United States and Israel, has killed more than 2,000 people and triggered broader regional instability. Israeli officials said they expect weeks more fighting against Iran and Hezbollah, indicating no immediate de-escalation.

U.S. military deployments, including Marines and amphibious assets, continue to move into the region, even as earlier signals suggested Washington might consider scaling down operations.

Iran has maintained its capacity to retaliate despite sustained bombardment, underscoring the risk of further escalation involving civilian infrastructure and critical global energy routes.