Oil prices have surged back above $100 a barrel after Donald Trump signalled plans for a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions in a key global energy corridor.

The price of oil has soared after weekend talks with Iran ended without agreement, with Trump striking a blunt tone on future negotiations. “I don’t care if they come back or not,” he said. “If they don’t come back, I’m fine.”

The US later confirmed it would move ahead with plans to restrict maritime access, with the US Central Command saying a blockade of Iranian Gulf ports and coastal areas would begin Monday morning, effectively tightening control over traffic through the strait.

President Trump added that the US had international backing for the move, claiming that “it won’t take long to clean out the strait” and that “numerous countries are going to be helping us”.

However later, Prime minister Starmer disputed the US leader’s comment saying while the UK has minesweeping capability in the region but insisted diplomatic efforts remain the priority, saying these are “all focused on getting the strait fully open.”

Pressed on the broader conflict, the prime minister rejected calls for a tougher stance against Washington and reiterated that the UK would not be drawn into military action.

“Where the blame lies, it’s Iran that has caused the restriction on traffic and vessels through the Gulf and they’re doing that in breach of international law,” he said.

“My decision has been very clear that whatever the pressure – and there has been some considerable pressure – we are not getting dragged into the war. The UK is not getting dragged into the war,” he added.

“That is not in our national interest because I’m not going to act unless there’s a clear lawful basis and a clear thought-through plan.”

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