Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday morning, hours after the US-Iran ceasefire was announced, declaring a "real sense of relief" but warning there is "a lot of work to do" to make it permanent. [1]

Starmer's immediate priority was Lebanon. In a joint statement with French President Macron, Italian Prime Minister Meloni, and EU leaders, the group called on "all sides to implement the ceasefire, including in Lebanon" and pledged to contribute to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. [2] The statement was pointed: Lebanon is not covered by the ceasefire terms, and Israeli strikes against Hezbollah targets continued Wednesday. [3]

Macron was more direct, telling reporters the deal "must include Lebanon to be credible and lasting." [4] The diplomatic subtext is clear — European capitals view the ceasefire as dangerously narrow if it addresses the US-Iran bilateral conflict but leaves the Israel-Hezbollah theater burning.

Starmer also said the UK has a "job" to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a careful formulation that stops short of committing British naval assets but signals willingness to mediate on shipping access. [1]

The EU's institutional response was cautious. Several European governments had already ruled out sending naval forces to Hormuz despite earlier pressure from Trump. [5] The ceasefire gives Brussels a diplomatic off-ramp from that confrontation, provided the strait actually reopens.

The consensus across European capitals: welcome the pause, push for Lebanon, and wait to see if two weeks becomes anything more.

-- CHARLES ASHFORD, London