UK will not join Trump’s blockade of Iran’s ports in the Strait of Hormuz
UK Refuses to Support US Blockade of Iranian Ports in Hormuz Strait
The UK government has stated it will not participate in the US military’s plan to restrict Iranian maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, according to BBC reports. British naval vessels will not be deployed to block Iranian ports, while UK minesweepers and anti-drone systems will maintain their operations in the region.
“We continue to support freedom of navigation and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, which is urgently needed to support the global economy and the cost of living back home,” said a UK government spokesperson.
The US initiated the blockade after negotiations with Iran to end Middle Eastern hostilities stalled. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called for “de-escalation” in the region, emphasizing the need to reduce tensions. Following talks in Islamabad, President Donald Trump declared the US would start “blocking any and all ships trying to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz.”
“I understand the UK and a couple of other countries are sending minesweepers,” Trump stated during a Fox News interview.
The US Central Command (Centcom) confirmed that its forces would enforce the blockade “impartially” on vessels accessing Iranian ports, including those in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Centcom added that non-Iranian ships transiting through the waterway would not face interference, with a formal notice planned for mariners before the measure takes effect.
Approximately 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s embargo, which began on 28 February, has effectively closed the waterway. Sir Keir Starmer has repeatedly avoided direct military engagement in the conflict, instead pushing for the strait’s reopening to stabilize oil prices.
“We are urgently working with France and other partners to put together a wide coalition to protect freedom of navigation,” a UK official reiterated, highlighting collaboration with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Centcom noted that Iran had reportedly started charging $2 million in transit fees for tankers using the strait. The UK spokesperson emphasized that ships crossing the waterway should not be subject to such tolls. Trump also mentioned NATO’s offer to assist in “cleaning out” the strait, suggesting it could be reopened “within a short time frame.”
Following the failed talks, Sir Keir Starmer warned against further escalation in the Middle East. Earlier this week, he visited four Gulf nations to solidify alliances. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to travel to Washington for the IMF meeting, aiming to advocate for the Hormuz shipping channel’s reactivation.
