UK will not join Trump’s blockade of Iran’s ports in the Strait of Hormuz
UK Will Not Join Trump’s Hormuz Port Blockade
The UK has opted not to take part in the U.S. military measures targeting Iranian ports within the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by the BBC. British naval assets and personnel will not be deployed to restrict Iranian maritime traffic, though UK minesweepers and anti-drone systems will remain operational in the region.
U.S. Blockade and Trump’s Remarks
The U.S. declared the blockade following stalled negotiations with Iran, as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called for “de-escalation” in the Middle East. After talks in Islamabad, President Donald Trump announced the move, stating the U.S. would “blockade any and all ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz.”
“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.
U.S. Central Command (Centcom) confirmed that its forces would enforce the blockade “impartially,” affecting vessels linked to Iranian ports in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. The command emphasized that ships transiting to non-Iranian ports would not face disruption, with formal notices planned for commercial mariners.
Nato’s Role in the Operation
Trump mentioned NATO’s potential involvement in clearing the strait, suggesting it would be “free to use again in not too long a distance.” He noted that the UK, a NATO member, would contribute minesweepers, adding, “I understand the UK and a couple of other countries are sending minesweepers.”
Freedom of Navigation Concerns
Approximately 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas cargo traverses the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s blockade has disrupted this critical route since U.S.-Israeli strikes began on 28 February. The UK has consistently avoided direct military engagement, advocating instead for the Strait’s re-opening to counter rising oil prices.
Following the blockade announcement, global benchmark Brent crude oil surpassed $100. The UK government also highlighted concerns over Iran’s transit fee demands, which could cost tankers $2 million per passage. A spokesperson reiterated that vessels passing through the strait “must not be subject to tolling.”
UK’s Diplomatic Outreach
Although the UK was not part of the recent U.S.-Iran talks, Sir Keir Starmer warned against further escalation in the region. Last week, he visited four Gulf nations to strengthen alliances, while Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to travel to Washington for the IMF meeting to push for reopening the Hormuz shipping channel.
