STORY
Britain will not support or take part in any US led blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, with the Prime Minister Keir Starmer saying the Government’s priority is to help restore freedom of navigation through the vital shipping route rather than become involved in further military escalation. The stance puts London at odds with Donald Trump’s latest move against Iran, after the US announced plans to enforce a blockade on maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports following the collapse of diplomatic efforts.
Starmer said British military assets in the region, including minesweepers, were there to support the reopening of the strait and protect shipping, not to participate in offensive action. Britain’s refusal has been echoed by other NATO allies, with France also backing a separate defensive approach focused on safe passage for commercial vessels and wider international coordination rather than joining Trump’s hard line strategy.
The split comes as fears grow over the economic consequences of prolonged disruption in the Gulf. The Strait of Hormuz carries a large share of the world’s oil trade, and renewed tensions have already pushed Brent crude above $100 a barrel, adding to concerns over inflation, fuel costs and wider pressure on the British economy.