UK Declines Participation in US-Led Blockade of Iranian Ports
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces the UK will not support the US blockade of Iranian ports, emphasizing efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Monday that the United Kingdom will not support the United States' planned blockade of Iranian ports. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Starmer emphasized the UK's focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, stating, "We're not supporting the blockade... all of the marshalling – diplomatically, politically and [in terms of] capability... that's all focused, from our point of view, on getting the Strait fully open."
This statement follows U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a naval blockade on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, set to begin at 10 a.m. ET on Monday. The blockade aims to prevent the export of Iranian oil and remove sea mines allegedly placed by Iran.
In response to the escalating situation, the UK has been actively engaging with international partners. On April 2, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper chaired a virtual meeting with representatives from 40 countries to discuss options for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Cooper criticized Iran's actions, stating that its "recklessness" in blockading the waterway was "hitting our global economic security."
The UK continues to advocate for freedom of navigation and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing diplomatic efforts over military intervention.