UK will not join Trump’s blockade of Iran’s ports in the Strait of Hormuz
UK Will Not Join Trump’s Blockade of Iran’s Ports in the Strait of Hormuz
The UK has decided against participating in the US military action to restrict Iranian maritime access through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the BBC. British naval assets and personnel will not be deployed to restrict Iranian port activities, though the nation’s minesweepers and anti-drone systems will continue their presence in the area.
“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 following unsuccessful negotiations with Iran to establish a long-term peace agreement in the Middle East. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the need for “de-escalation” after talks in Islamabad failed to produce a resolution. President Donald Trump declared the US would begin “BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz,” with the US Central Command confirming its forces would enforce the measure “impartially” on vessels linked to Iranian ports.
Centcom highlighted that ships transiting to and from non-Iranian ports would remain unaffected, with a formal notice planned for commercial mariners before the blockade begins. Trump mentioned NATO’s potential role in clearing the strait, stating it would be “free to use again in not too long a distance.” He noted the UK, a NATO member, would contribute minesweepers alongside other nations.
Approximately 20% of international oil and LNG cargo transits through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed since US-Israeli strikes began on 28 February. Sir Keir has consistently ruled out direct military involvement in the conflict, instead calling for the Strait to be re-opened as oil prices climb under Iran’s embargo. Brent crude oil prices surged past $100 following the blockade announcement.
In a prior conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, Sir Keir stressed the importance of “working with a wide coalition of partners to protect freedom of navigation” in the region. The UK government reiterated this stance, adding that ships passing through the Strait should not face transit fees, as Iran has reportedly begun demanding $2 million in charges for tankers using the waterway.
Sir Keir recently visited four Gulf states, framing the trip as efforts to strengthen alliances and secure regional cooperation. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to travel to Washington for the IMF meeting, aiming to push for the re-opening of the Hormuz shipping channel.