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Donald Trump has said he is “not happy” with the UK’s response to the Iran conflict. The US President lashed out after Sir Keir Starmer insisted Britain “won’t be drawn into the wider war” as he came under pressure to send Royal Navy ships to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The Prime Minister refused to commit naval forces despite Donald Trump calling on allies to step up efforts to secure the vital oil route. He said ministers were discussing options with the US, Gulf states and European partners but stressed “no decisions” have been made.

But President Trump hit back tonight saying he was “very surprised” by the UK’s response.

He said he believed the UK would be involved with helping in the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, adding: “They should be involved enthusiastically.”

His remarks came after Sir Keir used a Downing Street press conference to urge a “negotiated agreement” with Iran. Sir Keir insisted he wanted to see an end to the conflict as quickly as possible, cautioning the situation would only get “worse for the cost of living back at home” the longer it lasts.

But his cautious stance risks reigniting tensions with the US President, who has urged allies to act quickly to prevent a fresh global energy shock.

Sir Keir said protecting shipping through the narrow Gulf waterway remained a key priority.

Around a fifth of the world’s oil passes through the strait, making it one of the most strategically important routes on the planet.

Disruption there has already sent energy markets into turmoil and sparked fears of rising bills for households.

Sir Keir said: “The Strait of Hormuz is a separate discussion, and it is a discussion, we’re not at a point of decisions yet.

“It is obviously a difficult question, that goes without saying, in relation to how you safeguard maritime traffic through the Strait.

“Everybody knows the geography and the risks, but we are working, discussing that with the US, with Gulf partners and with the Europeans, and I discussed that yesterday with President Trump in the way we often discuss things, so that’s where we’re at.”

Sir Keir claimed he had held “good” talks with President Trump during a call on Sunday night.

The Government is examining what role Britain could play in any international effort to reopen the route.

Britain already has military assets in the region, including autonomous mine-hunting systems designed to clear explosives from shipping lanes.

Sir Keir also set out an emergency support package for households impacted by the Iran war.

It includes £53 million for “vulnerable” heating oil customers, focused on “those households that are most exposed”.

England will receive £27 million to support heating oil customers, which will be distributed by local authorities.

Northern Ireland, which has the highest proportion of homes reliant on heating oil of the UK’s four nations, has been allocated £17 million, Scotland £4.6 million and Wales £3.8 million.

The Conservatives welcomed the announcement of the extra support, saying it would be “welcome for rural households who have been ripped off by rogue heating oil suppliers”.

Dennis Reed, director of the Silver Voices campaign group for the over-60s, said: “The support package for those dependent on heating oil is a complete cop-out and will lead to a postcode lottery. “

Caroline Abrahams, of Age UK, said around 4.2 million older people had cut back on heating or powering their homes before the Middle East crisis hit.

“The clear implication is that many older people simply cannot cope with another increase in energy costs.

“We believe the Government should go further than has been announced today.”