Britain and U.S. tackle tariffs and tensions in key call

• Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Donald Trump discussed bilateral trade, including tariffs on British goods.
• Trump emphasized the importance of a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.
• The leaders also addressed the situation in Iran and actions against the Houthis in Yemen.

The British Prime Minister had a phone conversation with the U.S. President on Friday. It was their first discussion since Donald Trump imposed tariffs on goods from the UK.

The government in London hopes to reach a trade agreement with the Trump administration, which imposed 10% tariffs on most British goods imported into the U.S. and higher 25% rates on imported cars, steel, and aluminum.

"The leaders began by discussing the ongoing and productive discussions between the UK and US on trade (…) The leaders also discussed the situation in Ukraine, Iran and recent action taken against the Houthis in Yemen," a spokesman for Starmer's office told reporters.

The White House also reported on the conversation. According to their statement, Trump raised the issue with Starmer of "ongoing talks to bring the conflict in Ukraine to a peaceful resolution."

The U.S. President also expressed his enthusiasm for the planned visit to the UK this year.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated earlier on Friday that the United States will withdraw from efforts to achieve peace between Russia and Ukraine within a few days, if there are no indications that an agreement is achievable on this matter. Trump confirmed that he would walk away from the talks if he doesn't see "enthusiasm" from both sides.