United Kingdom Will Not Join U.S. Blockade of Strait of Hormuz

[Financial News] The government of the United Kingdom has decided not to take part in a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz proposed by United States of America (U.S.) President Donald Trump. The move appears to deepen the rift between President Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer over how to resolve tensions with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
On the 12th (local time), the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and other foreign media reported that the U.K. government issued a statement. In it, London continued to call for freedom of navigation and keeping the strait open, but made clear it would not join the U.S. blockade operation.
A government official confirmed, "The United Kingdom has no plans to participate in Trump's blockade operation."
After talks between the U.S. and the Islamic Republic of Iran ended without results, Prime Minister Starmer warned against further escalation in the Middle East and urged both countries to work toward an agreement.
That same day, President Trump used his social media platform Truth Social to abruptly announce a plan to impose a full blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for global energy supplies.
He declared, "The U.S. Navy will immediately begin blockading all ships entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz," and issued a stark warning: "Any Iranian who attacks U.S. forces or peaceful vessels will be sent straight to hell."
President Trump openly criticized the U.K.'s decision not to join during an interview with Fox News. He went further, likening Prime Minister Starmer to former British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, who pursued a policy of appeasement toward Adolf Hitler before World War II, and launched a blistering attack.
“Prime Minister Starmer says he will only send military equipment after the war is over,” Trump scoffed. “Equipment is needed before or during a war. This is a classic Neville Chamberlain-style statement.” Earlier, Trump had already directed personal attacks at Starmer after the U.K. leader moved to partially restrict the use of U.S. bases in Britain for airstrikes on the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Despite Trump's pressure, Starmer has maintained a cautious stance. In a recent interview with ITV, he said, "The United Kingdom has principles and values that we must uphold," adding, "There has been criticism and pressure over the past few weeks, but let me be clear: we will not be dragged into this war."
The United Kingdom currently allows its bases to be used only for U.S. "defensive" operations and remains skeptical about deploying military force to keep the strait open. A multinational coalition that includes the U.K. is expected to discuss options for maintaining access to the waterway soon, but most countries are reluctant to commit naval assets until a lasting peace agreement is reached.

jjyoon@fnnews.com Yoon Jae-joon Reporter