Yvette Cooper refuses to say if US is an ally to Britain just days after Donald Trump warned 'we won't be there for you'

Dodging questions over the special relationship between the US and the UK, the Foreign Secretary said that Britain and other nations would take "every possible" measure to open up the critical shipping lane.

She described the Islamic Republic as "reckless" as it has continued to attack the shipping lane, where 2,000 vessels remain stuck.

Whilst avoiding answering questions on whether the US remained an ally, Ms Cooper said: "We want to see the conflict resolved... as rapidly as possible, because, frankly, that's what's best for the cost of living here in the UK."

Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz after the nation was attacked in a joint operation between the US and Iran.

Since then, this has caused price shocks in the global oil price, as generally 20 per cent of the world's oil flows through it.

Increases in the cost of fuel being felt at home - the price of diesel is currently at 185.23p and petrol is 154.45p, according to figures from the RAC.

In a statement published after the meeting, held virtually, Ms Cooper framed Iran as the aggressor, warning that the Islamic Republic "must not prevail".

She said: "Iran is trying to hold the global economy hostage in the Strait of Hormuz. They must not prevail.

"It is imperative that international law is respected and that Iran fully re-opens the Strait of Hormuz."

In the statement, she referenced coordinated sanctions on Iran, indicating that the international community is rallying towards punitive measures, the Independent reports.

The US, who initiated attacks on Iran in partnership with Israel on February 28, is distinctly not mentioned in the statement, possibly indicating to a further distancing between London and Washington.

This comes as the Chancellor Rachel Reeves expressed her frustration at the US President over the conflict in the Middle East.

Ms Reeves said she is "angry" at Mr Trump over the war, suggesting that the US have no "clear" exit strategy.

Speaking to the BBC on Wednesday, she said: "I'm angry that Donald Trump has chosen to go to war in the Middle East - a war that there's not a clear plan of how to get out of. It's why we didn't want to enter this."

This is the latest development in what appears to be a souring of the special relationship between the UK and the US.

President Trump has repeatedly criticised the UK over its lack of willingness to join the US in the conflict, which has spread across the Middle East.

The Government's position has remained relatively consistent, with Sir Keir Starmer earlier this week reiterating that the conflict in Iran is "not our war".

Clearly not happy with the UK and other allies in their refusal to join in in the attacks against the Islamic Republic, Mr Trump disclosed to the Telegraph on Wednesday that he was seriously considering ditching Nato membership.

On the Strait of Hormuz, the US President said that countries relying on the shipping lane should "build up some delayed courage" and "just grab it", suggesting that after the conflict - whenever that will be - would "just open up naturally".

However, Sir Keir said on Wednesday that removing the threat upon the passage will "not be easy".

Next week, another meeting is due to take place on Tuesday with military planners, who will discuss how to "keep shipping safe for the long term", which includes the clearing of mines planted by Iran in the critical waterway.

The gathering will be convened by Britain's Permanent Joint Headquarters, based in Northwood, north west London, with some international leaders joining the call remotely.