The United Kingdom has ruled out participation in any blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
The clarification came after the United States President, Donald Trump, announced that Washington would begin naval operations to block vessels entering or leaving the strategic waterway.
A British government spokesperson in a chat with Sky News, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to maintaining open shipping lanes, emphasising the importance of freedom of navigation for global trade and domestic economic stability.
While ruling out participation in a blockade, the UK said it is working with allies, including France, to form a coalition aimed at safeguarding maritime routes.
Trump, speaking to Fox News, suggested that multiple countries could assist U.S. efforts, including by deploying minesweepers.
Meanwhile, the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer and Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said have urged Washington and Tehran to de-escalate tensions and resume dialogue.
