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 United Kingdom has decided against participating in the US military’s measure to restrict Iranian maritime access, according to BBC reporting. British naval vessels and personnel will not be used to enforce the blockade, though minesweepers and anti-drone systems will continue their operations in the region. A government representative stated, “Our focus remains on ensuring unimpeded passage through the Strait of Hormuz, vital for sustaining the global economy and easing domestic energy costs.”
The US initiative followed unsuccessful negotiations with Iran to finalize a peace accord in the Middle East. After talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, President Donald Trump declared the country would begin “blocking any and all ships attempting to enter or exit the Strait of Hormuz.” The US Central Command (Centcom) later confirmed its forces would carry out the enforcement “without bias,” targeting vessels linked to Iranian ports in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. However, Centcom clarified that ships traveling to or from non-Iranian ports would not face interference, with formal notifications planned for commercial operators before the blockade commenced.
“I understand the UK and a couple of other countries are sending minesweepers,” Trump remarked, hinting at NATO’s potential role in the operation. He added that the alliance was willing to assist in “clearing” the strait, predicting it would be usable again “within a short time.”
The strategic waterway, through which roughly 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas transit, has been under Iranian control since US-Israeli strikes began on February 28. Sir Keir Starmer, the UK’s prime minister, has consistently avoided direct military engagement in the conflict. Instead, he has emphasized the importance of reopening the strait to counter rising oil prices caused by Iran’s embargo. Following the blockade announcement, Brent crude oil prices surged beyond $100.
In a recent discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron, Starmer reiterated the need for international collaboration to safeguard maritime routes. The UK government reiterated this stance, stating, “We are actively coordinating with France and other partners to form a broad coalition that prioritizes freedom of navigation.” The spokesperson also addressed reports of Iran imposing $2 million in transit fees on tankers, insisting that such charges would not be enforced on vessels using the strait.
Though the UK was not part of the US-Iran talks in Islamabad, Starmer warned against “increasing tensions” in the region after the deadlock. Last week, he visited four Gulf nations, framing the trips as steps to strengthen alliances. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to travel to Washington this week for the IMF meeting, advocating for the Hormuz shipping lane to be restored as soon as possible.
