Rubio, UK Foreign Secretary discuss European security, Strait of Hormuz

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held discussions with British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband in Washington, focusing on Europe's role in its own security and efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing conflict in Iran.

During their meeting at the State Department, Rubio and Miliband "discussed the importance of Europe taking a greater role in its own security," according to State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott. The two top diplomats also "reiterated their shared commitment to safe transit in the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring Iran never develops or obtains a nuclear weapon," Pigott added in a brief statement.

“

discussed the importance of Europe taking a greater role in its own security

The meeting between the American and British foreign ministers occurred shortly after a phone conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and the new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who recently replaced Keir Starmer. Trump had previously expressed strong criticism regarding the previous Starmer administration's lack of unconditional support in the war against Iran, particularly concerning limitations on the use of British bases for aircraft involved in bombing campaigns against the Persian nation.

Earlier in July, President Trump stated that Burnham had conveyed his intention to permit oil exploration in the North Sea. This move aligns with one of the primary demands Trump had made over several months to Starmer, aimed at boosting the British economy. Rubio and Miliband posed for cameras before their meeting but did not take questions from the press.

“

reiterated their shared commitment to safe transit in the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring Iran never develops or obtains a nuclear weapon