The United Kingdom will not commit troops or naval forces to any United States-led initiative aimed at enforcing a blockade on Iranian ports, according to reporting from the BBC.
While the British government is expected to remain outside any direct military action involving the physical obstruction of Iranian maritime access, it will continue supporting regional security operations.
Assets such as minesweepers and anti-drone systems will remain deployed in surrounding waters.
A UK government spokesperson stated: “We continue to support freedom of navigation and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, which is urgently needed to support the global economy and the cost of living back home.”
The decision comes after Washington announced plans for a blockade following the breakdown of diplomatic talks with Iran, which had been aimed at reducing tensions in the Middle East.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has repeatedly advocated for de-escalation amid the growing crisis.
Following discussions between US and Iranian officials in Islamabad, former US President Donald Trump declared that the United States would begin “BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz”.
The US Central Command later clarified that its forces would enforce the blockade “impartially” on maritime traffic linked to Iranian ports across the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. It added that vessels headed to non-Iranian destinations would not be targeted, and that advance warnings would be issued to commercial shipping before enforcement operations begin.
Trump also claimed that allied nations would be involved in supporting the effort, though he did not identify specific countries. He further suggested NATO had expressed willingness to assist in reopening the waterway, stating it would be restored for navigation “in not too long a distance”.
He separately noted, “I understand the UK and a couple of other countries are sending minesweepers,” indicating expected allied participation in non-combat support roles.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most vital maritime corridors, with nearly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas passing through it. Iran has significantly restricted access to the route following US-Israeli strikes that began on 28 February.
The UK government has consistently rejected direct military involvement in the conflict while maintaining calls for the strait to be reopened, particularly as energy markets react sharply. Brent crude prices briefly surged above $US100 following news of the blockade announcement.
In earlier diplomatic engagement, Starmer told French President Emmanuel Macron of the importance of building “a wide coalition of partners to protect freedom of navigation” in the region.
A UK government spokesperson reiterated: “We are urgently working with France and other partners to put together a wide coalition to protect freedom of navigation,” highlighting ongoing coordination with allies.
Officials also stressed that maritime traffic through the strait “must not be subject to tolling,” following reports that Iran had imposed transit fees of $2m (£1.5m) on tankers using the passage.
Although Britain did not take part in the recent US-Iran talks in Islamabad, Starmer has warned against “further escalation” and continues diplomatic outreach across the Gulf region.
Last week, the Prime Minister visited four Gulf states in a bid to strengthen regional partnerships amid rising tensions.
Meanwhile, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected in Washington for an International Monetary Fund meeting, where she will advocate for the reopening of the strategic Hormuz shipping route.
