We will not be involved in Trump’s Strait of Hormuz blockade – UK

The United Kingdom has said it will not participate in a United States-led blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, amid escalating tensions between Washington and Iran.

The announcement comes after US President Donald Trump ordered the US Navy to blockade “any and all ships” entering or leaving the strategic waterway, following the failure of 21 hours of nuclear negotiations with Iran.

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital chokepoint for global oil shipments, accounting for roughly one-fifth of the world’s petroleum trade.

According to Sky News, a UK government spokesperson said:

“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. The Strait of Hormuz must not be subject to tolling. We are urgently working with France and other partners to put together a wide coalition to protect freedom of navigation.”

Earlier reports suggested that the US expected the UK to contribute minesweepers to clear the strait. While the UK does have mine-hunting capabilities already in the region, officials have clarified that London will not engage in the American blockade.

President Trump announced the blockade via his Truth Social platform, framing it as a necessary measure after diplomatic efforts with Tehran collapsed. According to Trump, while the talks yielded progress on some fronts, the core issue of Iran’s denuclearization remained unresolved.