The UK will not participate in any blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the Guardian understands, after US President Donald Trump claimed that Nato allies, including Britain, would assist in a blockade. Trump told Fox News that “it won’t take long to clean out the strait” and that “numerous countries are going to be helping us,” citing the deployment of minesweepers from the UK and other nations.
The UK had previously indicated a potential role in ensuring safe passage through the strait, with mine-hunting systems and anti-drone capabilities already in the region. However, Whitehall sources expressed concerns that complying with Trump’s demand could escalate the crisis, and the UK’s willingness to consider mine removal is seen as separate from a blockade.
A government spokesperson stated: “The UK will 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.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has previously said talks were ongoing with European allies, Gulf partners, and the US to create a “credible, viable plan” to reopen the strait after Iran blocked traffic. Trump’s comments came hours after Health Secretary Wes Streeting criticised his rhetoric on Iran as “incendiary, provocative and outrageous.” Trump also repeated a jibe comparing Starmer to Neville Chamberlain, saying: “Mr Starmer said we’ll send the equipment after the war is over. That is a Neville Chamberlain-type statement.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves warned that the conflict in Iran would “come at a cost to British families and businesses” and vowed that her economic approach would be “responsive to a changing world and responsible in the national interest.” The fragile two-week truce announced last Tuesday was thrown into uncertainty after US-Iran peace talks ended without agreement, with US Vice-President JD Vance citing Iran’s refusal to commit to not building a nuclear weapon.
