The UK will not send warships to support US efforts to block the Strait of Hormuz, but will deploy minesweepers in the region, The Daily Telegraph reported.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office said that London will work with other countries to restore shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the British government categorically refused to join the naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz announced by US President Donald Trump. Despite the close relations between the two countries, London has distanced itself from Washington's actions, stressing the need for de-escalation and a diplomatic solution, Anadolu Ajansı reported.
The UK will not send warships or troops to enforce the blockade. Starmer has repeatedly stated that this conflict is “not our war“.
London is actively working with France and other international partners (a coalition of around 35-40 countries) to create a “viable plan“ to restore freedom of navigation through diplomatic pressure and sanctions, rather than a military blockade.
While refusing to participate in the blockade, the UK continues to maintain minesweepers and anti-drone capabilities in the region to help secure trade routes.
Government officials, such as Wes Streeting, have described Trump's rhetoric towards Iran as "inflammatory and outrageous," The Guardian reports.
Starmer's decision has led to serious tensions with the Trump administration. The US president compared the British prime minister to Neville Chamberlain (a symbol of appeasement) and sharply criticized Britain for failing to provide military support at a critical time.
The blockade, ordered by Trump on April 12, 2026, aims to completely stop all ships entering or leaving the strait after the failure of peace talks in Islamabad. Britain insists that the strait should not be subject to "taxes" or blockades that threaten the global economy and the cost of living.