British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has firmly stated that the United Kingdom will not back the United States’ blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and will not be drawn into the ongoing war with Iran.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Starmer said: “We’re not supporting the blockade,” adding that Britain would resist any pressure to become involved.
He stressed that it was “vital to get the Strait reopened.”
The comments come hours after the U.S. military announced it would begin a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas on Monday, following the collapse of weekend talks to end the conflict with Iran.
Starmer’s position highlights Britain’s determination to avoid escalation while underscoring the strategic importance of restoring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments.
The statement arrives amid separate European diplomatic moves, including France and the UK’s joint plan to host an international conference on a strictly defensive multinational mission to protect freedom of navigation in the same waterway.
No further details on UK military involvement or alternative measures were provided in the interview.
Further updates are expected as the situation in the Persian Gulf continues to evolve.