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 block Iranian ports, according to BBC sources. British naval assets will remain operational in the region, focusing on port security and anti-drone operations rather than enforcing the blockade.

“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,” stated a UK government spokesperson.

Following a meeting between US and Iranian negotiators in Islamabad, President Trump announced the blockade, citing failed talks to end Middle Eastern hostilities. Sir Keir Starmer, the UK’s prime minister, urged “de-escalation” in the region after the impasse.

US Central Command (Centcom) confirmed that its forces would enforce the blockade “impartially” on vessels entering or exiting Iranian ports, including those in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. However, it clarified that ships traveling to and from non-Iranian ports would not face disruptions, with commercial mariners receiving formal notices before the measure begins.

“I understand the UK and a couple of other countries are sending minesweepers,” Trump said, hinting that NATO allies would join in clearing the strait. He added that the waterway would be “free to use again in not too long a distance.”

Approximately 20% of global oil and LNG transport passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been disrupted since US-Israeli strikes began on 28 February. Sir Keir has consistently avoided direct military engagement in the conflict, instead advocating for the strait’s re-opening to counter rising oil prices.

During a prior conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, Sir Keir emphasized the need to collaborate with a broad coalition of partners to secure freedom of navigation. The UK government reiterated this stance, stating that ships crossing the strait should not be charged additional fees, after reports indicated Iran had started imposing $2 million in transit costs.

Last week, Sir Keir visited four Gulf nations, framing the trip as efforts to strengthen ties with regional allies. Meanwhile, 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.