LONDON — Keir Starmer has firmly rejected calls to support Donald Trump’s proposed naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring a widening policy divide between London and Washington over how to respond to the escalating Iran crisis.
British officials made clear that the United Kingdom will not participate in any U.S.-led effort to restrict maritime traffic through the critical oil artery, instead reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding freedom of navigation and pursuing diplomatic solutions.
The decision follows Trump’s directive ordering the U.S. Navy to enforce a blockade targeting vessels linked to Iran after the collapse of peace talks in Islamabad an action that has heightened fears of broader regional conflict.
Also Read: Donald Trump Orders US Navy to Block Strait of Hormuz After Iran Talks Collapse
While Washington moves toward military enforcement, Starmer has adopted a more cautious approach, emphasizing de-escalation and multilateral engagement. UK authorities are instead working with allies, including France, to form a coalition aimed at ensuring safe passage through the strait without resorting to aggressive intervention.
The Prime Minister has also stressed the global economic stakes tied to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for a significant share of the world’s oil supply, warning that any disruption could have severe consequences for energy markets and household costs.
Despite maintaining the long-standing transatlantic alliance, the UK’s refusal to join the blockade signals growing unease among Western allies over Trump’s hardline stance. British officials have privately expressed concern that such a move could inflame tensions further and risk dragging additional nations into conflict.
The divergence comes even as both leaders have previously discussed military contingencies for securing the strait, highlighting the complexity of balancing strategic cooperation with differing approaches to crisis management.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the UK government insists that preventing escalation and keeping one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes open remains its overriding priority.
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