London, April 1 British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Wednesday that the UK will not be "drawn into" the war against Iran as he announced that he would host an international conference this week to discuss all viable diplomatic and political measures to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking at a Downing Street press conference, Starmer also sought to dismiss US President Donald Trump's recent comments on NATO as "noise."
He said that the impact of the war in the Middle East will "affect the future of our country," but emphasised that "no matter how fierce this storm, we are well-placed to weather it."
Earlier, President Trump said he was considering withdrawing the US from NATO, after allies did not join his war with Iran.
Trump also criticised the UK for refusing to get involved in the US-Israeli war against Iran, and suggested that the Royal Navy was not ready.
Asked about the US president's comments, Starmer said: "NATO is the single most effective military alliance the world has ever seen, and it has kept us safe for many decades.
"We are fully committed to NATO. Secondly, that whatever the pressure on me and others, whatever the noise, I’m going to act in the British national interest in all the decisions that I make.
"And that's why I've been absolutely clear that this is not our war and we're not going to get dragged into it."
Starmer emphasised the need for closeness with Europe, and announced that Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will host a meeting with international leaders to "assess all viable diplomatic and political measures" to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Starmer said “a united front of military strength and diplomatic activity” is needed to restore stability.