The United Kingdom will not participate in any blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, despite President Donald Trump's claims that NATO allies, including Britain, would assist. A UK government spokesperson confirmed the position, stressing that the focus remains on supporting freedom of navigation and reopening the strait to global shipping.
Trump told Fox News on Sunday that the US would blockade the waterway with help from numerous countries, adding that the UK and other nations were sending minesweepers. However, British officials distinguish between mine-removal operations—which the UK has signalled a willingness to consider—and a full blockade, which could escalate tensions with Iran.
The UK already has mine-hunting systems and anti-drone capabilities in the region. Downing Street has expressed concern that complying with Trump's demand to send ships might worsen the crisis. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has been working with France and other partners to form a wide coalition to protect freedom of navigation, stating that the strait must not be subject to tolling.
The comments come after the failure of US-Iran peace talks over the weekend, which threw a fragile two-week truce into doubt. Health Secretary Wes Streeting described Trump's rhetoric on Iran as "incendiary, provocative and outrageous" and called for continued diplomatic efforts. Chancellor Rachel Reeves warned that the conflict would bring costs for British families and businesses.
Trump also repeated a jibe comparing Starmer to Neville Chamberlain, which Starmer has not directly addressed. Before Trump's comments, Starmer had urged both the US and Iran to find a way through and called for the ceasefire to continue after speaking with the Sultan of Oman.
