Rabat – Britain has conveyed its decision not to join a US-led military blockade of Iranian ports.
The United States, under President Donald Trump, announced the blockade after talks with Iran failed to secure a lasting peace agreement. Following negotiations in Islamabad, Trump said Washington would begin “blockading any and all ships” attempting to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his country’s decision on Monday, distancing the United Kingdom from an escalation in the Middle East despite pressure from allies.
US Central Command confirmed it would enforce the measure “impartially” on vessels entering and exiting Iranian posts across the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, while allowing transit to and from non-Iranian ports.
Starmer said Gritain would instead focus on keeping the vital Strait of Hormuz open, a key artery for global energy supplies through which roughly one-fifth of oil and liquefied natural gas shipments pass.
“We’re not supporting the blockade,” Starmer told BBC radio, adding that British diplomatic, political, and military efforts were directed at reopening the waterway “as quickly as possible” to ease pressure on energy prices.
British minesweepers and anti-drone capabilities will continue to operate in the region, but naval vessels and troops will not be used to prevent access to Iranian ports, he said, declining to discuss operational details.
Starmer, who recently returned from a visit to Gulf states, reiterated his opposition to direct British military involvement in the conflict.
“My decision has been very clear that whatever the pressure, and there’s been some considerable pressure, we’re not getting dragged into war,” he said.
“That’s not in our national interest.”
Trump told Fox News that other countries, including NATO allies, could assist with securing the strait and clearing mines, saying it would be reopened “in not too long a distance.” He suggested Britain was among the nations expected to contribute minesweepers.
This week, Britain and France are set to co-host a summit aimed at developing a coordinated multinational plan to safeguard international shipping once the conflict subsides. Starmer has also discussed the issue with French President Emmanuel Macron, stressing the need for a broad coalition to protect freedom of navigation.
A British government spokesperson said efforts were underway with partners to ensure vessels can pass through the Strait of Hormuz without interference, adding that ships “must not be subject to tolling” after reports Iran had begun charging transit fees of $2 million per tanker.
Iran has effectively restricted access to the Strait since the US-Israeli strikes began on February 28, disrupting global markets. Brent crude oil surged above $100 a barrel following the US announcement, up from about $71 before the conflict.
At home, the rise in energy prices has intensified political pressure on Starmer’s government ahead of a planned fuel duty increase in September. He said the policy was “kept under review,” noting that developments in the coming weeks would be critical.
Britain was not involved in the US-Iran negotiations in Pakistan, but Starmer warned against further escalation after the talks collapsed.
Finance minister Rachel Reeves is expected to travel to Washington this week for International Monetary Fund meetings, where she will push for efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and stabilize global energy markets.
