The United Kingdom will not participate in any blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the Guardian has learned, despite US President Donald Trump claiming that Nato allies, including the UK, would assist in such an operation. Trump told Fox News on Sunday that 'numerous countries are going to be helping us' and that the UK was sending minesweepers.
A UK government spokesperson confirmed that Britain is willing to consider a role in mine-removal operations to ensure safe passage through the strait, but stressed that this is distinct from Trump's blockade proposal. 'The strait of Hormuz must not be subject to tolling,' the spokesperson said, adding that the UK is working with France and other partners to form a coalition to protect freedom of navigation.
The clarification comes after Trump repeated his criticism of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, comparing him to Neville Chamberlain, and accused the UK of failing to provide equipment promptly. Health Secretary Wes Streeting described Trump's rhetoric on Iran as 'incendiary, provocative and outrageous', but urged judging the president by his actions rather than his words.
Meanwhile, the fragile two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran was thrown into uncertainty after 21 hours of negotiations ended without agreement. US Vice-President JD Vance cited Iran's refusal to commit to not building a nuclear weapon as the reason. Streeting called the failure 'disappointing' but said diplomacy must continue, while Chancellor Rachel Reeves warned that the conflict would 'come at a cost to British families and businesses'.
