Wes Streeting has shared a “very warm conversation” with his US counterpart Pete Hegseth.
The pair are thought to have brainstormed ideas for an international conference which allies of the UK and US would attend, but have not yet firmed up the details of a summit.
Defence ties between the UK and US have come under strain over recent months, after former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer refused to give the Americans free rein in their use of British military bases to strike Iran.
Mr Hegseth, the US secretary of war, last month lambasted European leaders for denying the US unfettered use of bases.
“These allies, they put America’s sons and daughters, our sons and daughters, at risk by denying them the predictable access, basing and overflight that never should have been in question at all,” he said.
And US president Donald Trump used a summit in Ankara, Turkey, this month to urge Nato members to increase defence spending “as quickly as possible”.
A source close to Mr Streeting, who Andy Burnham named as Defence Secretary earlier this week, said: “The Defence Secretary had a very warm conversation with Secretary Hegseth.
“They discussed the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and how allies can work together.
“They also discussed defence investment and the UK’s commitment to meeting our Nato commitments.”
Mr Streeting’s call with Mr Hegseth follows a meeting between Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband and Washington’s secretary of state Marco Rubio.
The closest of allies. United through shared interests, history and culture 🇬🇧🇺🇸
It was a pleasure to meet @SecRubio today in Manila as we continue to work closely to deliver jobs, security and growth for people on both sides of the Atlantic. pic.twitter.com/RFXp4fvhhD
— Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) July 23, 2026
In a post on X, Mr Miliband wrote: “The closest of allies, united through shared interests, history and culture.
“It was a pleasure to meet (Mr Rubio) today in Manila as we continue to work closely to deliver jobs, security and growth for people on both sides of the Atlantic.”
And Mr Burnham on Monday had his first call with Mr Trump.
The leaders discussed the World Cup, according to a Downing Street spokesperson.
On the Middle East, the spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister outlined the UK’s commitment to securing the movement of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz to support global supply chains and drive down costs for businesses and families across the country.”
