UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's statement backing US President Donald Trump's proposed peace deal with Iran has come under fierce criticism during a live television debate on Monday.

The agreement, reportedly brokered by Pakistan, is understood to include measures aimed at safeguarding shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, restricting Iran's ability to develop nuclear weapons in the future and bringing an end to military action by all sides.

However, the full details of the proposed deal have yet to be published. Questions remain over how any memorandum of understanding would prevent further clashes between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement along the Lebanese border.

It is also unclear what guarantees would ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains fully open and how any restrictions on Iran's nuclear programme would be monitored and enforced.

Speaking to GB News presenter Will Kingston, political commentator Paul Cox was critical of the Prime Minister's position.

He said: "It feels very weak.

"I want us to be on the front foot. Of course we're not America, we're not the biggest military in the world.

"But we have an opportunity to align ourselves with the biggest military in the world and we didn't do so over the past three or more months."

What did Keir Starmer say about Trump's Iran peace deal?

Sir Keir Starmer has welcomed the agreement reached between the United States and Iran, describing it as a major step towards ending the conflict and restoring stability in the region.

In a statement, the Prime Minister said: "I warmly welcome today’s agreement reached between the United States and Iran. This is a hugely important step forward in ending the war, ensuring regional stability, and re-opening the Strait of Hormuz.

"I congratulate President Trump and the mediators from Pakistan, Qatar and elsewhere who have contributed to this breakthrough. We have long urged de-escalation and this is the progress we had hoped to see."

Starmer said attention must now focus on turning the agreement into lasting action.

He added: "Attention must now turn to fully implementing the memorandum of understanding to ensure the Strait reopens and remains fully and permanently open, and that the detailed elements of the nuclear agreement are finalised.

"We stand ready to support the technical talks that will now begin. Our priority is that this becomes a durable and lasting peace, and we will work with international partners to support that."

The Prime Minister also stressed the economic importance of restoring access through one of the world's busiest shipping routes.

He said: "We are clear that toll-free freedom of navigation must now be restored in the Strait of Hormuz, to begin easing the severe economic impacts that have been felt for several months – on families here in the UK and around the world."

Starmer said Britain would continue working with allies and could support future international efforts in the region if required.

He added: "We will continue to work with partners to support this – including, if required, through standing up the defensive, independent multilateral mission which the UK and France have taken a leading role in planning up to this point, particularly to offer support on mine clearance in an agreed way."

What did Trump say about his peace deal with Iran?

Reiterating the UK's long-standing position on Iran's nuclear ambitions, the Prime Minister said: "For any peace to endure, it is essential that the commitments made, particularly in relation to Iran’s nuclear programme, are robust, verifiable, and fully implemented. It remains the UK’s firm and longstanding position that Iran must never have a nuclear weapon."

Meanwhile, Donald Trump indicated the Strait of Hormuz could reopen following the signing of the agreement between Washington and Tehran on Friday.

Writing on Truth Social, the US President said: "This Great Deal will bring Peace and Security to the whole Region.

"Many presidents have tried to make Peace with Iran, and all have failed before me. The Leaders of the Region have, for the first time, found a President who can help them achieve real Peace.

"With the opening of the Strait upon the signing of the Deal on Friday, for purposes of mine removal, oil will flow on both ends again for the Region, and the World!"

French President Emmanuel Macron has also signalled that the future of the Strait of Hormuz will be high on the agenda when G7 leaders meet in Evian this week.

In a video posted on Instagram, Macron said: "The aim will be to see the consequences of this agreement, support for Lebanon, the lasting reopening of Hormuz and of course the concluding of an accord on nuclear and ballistic activities in Iran."

The three-day summit will bring together leaders from Britain, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States.