British Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed with U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday the latest developments in trade negotiations between the two countries, stressing the importance of protecting the United Kingdom's national interests.

In a statement, the UK Prime Minister's Office said Starmer reaffirmed his commitment to "free and open trade" with the United States during a phone call with Trump.

The statement added that the two leaders also discussed the situations in Ukraine and Iran, as well as recent measures taken against Houthi militias in Yemen.

The British Prime Minister is seeking to reach an agreement with the U.S. administration after it imposed 10% tariffs on most UK goods imported to the United States, and 25% tariffs on British cars, steel, and aluminum imports.