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Starmer holds call with Trump to discuss war in Middle East after latest rebuke over Iran

Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump held a call on Sunday about the Middle East war, the UK government said, after fierce criticism of the British premier by the US leader. Trump had insulted Starmer over the latter’s initial refusal to have any role in the US-Israeli war with Iran, which began on February 28. “The leaders began by discussing the latest situation in the Middle East and the military cooperation between the UK and US through the use of RAF bases in...

Mar 08, 2026 &03230808202631; 17:23 UTC www.scmp.com Trending 5/5

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Neutral impact

Sentiment score: -5/100

Moderate impact Short-term (days)

WHAT THIS MEANS

UK Prime Minister Starmer and US President Trump held a diplomatic call regarding Middle East tensions following Trump's public criticism of Britain's initial reluctance to support US-Israeli military operations against Iran. The discussion signals potential reconciliation and renewed military cooperation between the two nations, which could stabilize geopolitical risk premiums in financial markets.

AI CONFIDENCE

65% High

SENTIMENT GAUGE

NEWS POWER SCORE

AFFECTED ASSETS

⇅

Euro / US Dollar

EURUSDCurrency

High volatility expected

Geopolitical tensions in Middle East create currency volatility; diplomatic engagement reduces immediate risk premium

↓

Oil (WTI Crude)

CL=FCommodity

Expected to decline

De-escalation signals from UK-US coordination may ease Middle East conflict concerns, reducing oil risk premium

↓

Gold Futures

GC=FCommodity

Expected to decline

Improved diplomatic relations reduce safe-haven demand for gold

↑

Euro Stoxx 50

^STOXX50EIndex

Expected to rise

European equities benefit from reduced geopolitical uncertainty and stabilized UK-US relations

↑

S&P 500

^GSPCIndex

Expected to rise

US equities supported by diplomatic resolution reducing Middle East escalation risk

PRICE HISTORY

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⚡ SUGGESTED ACTION

Monitor crude oil and safe-haven assets for continued de-escalation signals. Consider reducing defensive positions in gold and increasing exposure to cyclical equities if diplomatic momentum continues, particularly in European and US indices.

KEY SIGNALS

Diplomatic engagement reducing geopolitical risk premiumUK-US military cooperation reinforcementDe-escalation signals from leadership dialoguePotential stabilization of Middle East tensions

SECTORS INVOLVED

Defense & AerospaceEnergyFinancial ServicesTechnology

Analysis generated on Mar 09, 2026 at 16:00 UTC

Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by artificial intelligence for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, investment recommendation, or solicitation. Original reporting by SCMP Business. Always conduct your own research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Starmer holds call with Trump to discuss war in Middle East after latest rebuke over Iran

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