The United Kingdom will not participate in enforcing a United States blockade of Iranian ports, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said, distancing Britain from Washington’s military response following failed negotiations with Tehran.

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Speaking to the BBC, Starmer confirmed that British forces would continue existing security operations in the region but would not take part in blocking Iranian shipping. The prime minister said the UK’s priority was restoring access to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy supplies.

“Our focus is on reopening the strait as quickly as possible,” Starmer said, adding that the government was working with international partners to stabilise shipping in the area.

US blockade announced after failed talks

The US decision came after negotiations between American and Iranian representatives in Islamabad ended without agreement. Following the talks, President Donald Trump said the United States would begin blockading vessels attempting to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz.

US Central Command later confirmed that American forces would enforce the blockade on ships entering or leaving Iranian ports, including those in the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

The command said enforcement would be carried out “impartially” but clarified that vessels travelling to or from non-Iranian ports would not be obstructed. Commercial shipping companies would receive formal notice before the blockade takes effect.

UK focuses on keeping shipping routes open

Starmer said Britain had been working with partners in the region to maintain freedom of navigation through the strait rather than restrict it.

“We’re not supporting the blockade,” he said. “Our diplomatic, political and operational work is aimed at keeping the strait open.”

The prime minister confirmed that the UK possesses mine-sweeping capabilities in the region but declined to discuss operational details.

He also reiterated that Britain would not become directly involved in the wider conflict in the Middle East.

“My decision has been clear that we will not be dragged into the war,” Starmer said. “I will not act without a clear lawful basis and a well-thought-through plan.”

Energy markets and diplomatic efforts

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, carrying roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.

Iran has effectively blocked the route since US and Israeli strikes began on 28 February, triggering concern across energy markets. Global benchmark Brent crude rose above $100 per barrel after the US announced the blockade, compared with about $71 before the conflict.

Starmer said the UK was working with allies including France to develop a multinational plan to protect shipping once the conflict subsides. A summit co-hosted by Britain and France later this week is expected to focus on coordinating those efforts.

During a call with French President Emmanuel Macron, Starmer emphasised the need for a broad international coalition to guarantee safe passage through the strait.

A UK government spokesperson also criticised reports that Iran had begun charging transit fees of about $2 million for tankers passing through the waterway, saying vessels must not be subject to such charges.

Economic implications

The disruption to shipping has raised concerns about fuel prices in Britain. The government is currently planning to increase fuel duty in September, though opposition parties have urged ministers to cancel the rise in light of the crisis.

Starmer said the policy remained under review and would depend on developments in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to travel to Washington for meetings at the International Monetary Fund, where she will push for efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 14 April 2026

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How can we? We haven't got a functioning armed forces.

We can't even protect our own borders.

Just a mealy mouthed anti democratic tyrant as pm.

16 hours ago, JonnyF said:

How can we? We haven't got a functioning armed forces.

We can't even protect our own borders.

Just a mealy mouthed anti democratic tyrant as pm.

He’s a leader who is keeping British sons and Daughters out of this illegal Israeli/US war of aggression.

Something every true British patriot ought to be supporting.

It certainly a position that is popular with the electorate.

13 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

He’s a leader who is keeping British sons and Daughters out of this illegal Israeli/US war of aggression.

Something every true British patriot ought to be supporting.

It certainly a position that is popular with the electorate.

Don't think he's keeping anyone out of anywhere.

You can't participate in a blockade if all your boats are broken.

3 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Don't think he's keeping anyone out of anywhere.

You can't participate in a blockade if all your boats are broken.

All the ‘boats’ aren’t broken.

And those that are suffer the consequences of decades of underfunding by successive British Governments.

A sovereign nation (Iran) is defending itself from an aggressor.

The US failed to have its resolution to open the SofH passed, to do so would have authorized and legitimized the US attack on Iran which was illegal and the justification of which changes by the hour and is nonsense.

50 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

All the ‘boats’ aren’t broken.

And those that are suffer the consequences of decades of underfunding by successive British Governments.

All the boats are not in fact broken, only 64% out of a total of 25 are broken, which in itself is totally pathetic!

12 minutes ago, mikeymike100 said:

All the boats are not in fact broken, only 64% out of a total of 25 are broken, which in itself is totally pathetic!

Indeed, and I have identified the cause above.

44 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Indeed, and I have identified the cause above.

Yes, the cause is the conservative/labour new world order government.

Let's face it labor, conservative and reform are the same pigs swilling from the same trough. And until all the existing MPs are dead, there will never be any change in the malfeasance and corruption.

1 hour ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Indeed, and I have identified the cause above.

The UK is weak.

1 minute ago, TedG said:

The UK is weak.

Why should any moral country legitimize USA’s illegal attack on a sovereign nation?

31 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Yes, the cause is the conservative/labour new world order government.

Let's face it labor, conservative and reform are the same pigs swilling from the same trough. And until all the existing MPs are dead, there will never be any change in the malfeasance and corruption.

While the number of Tory Refugees that have filled to Reform UK Ltd., dies suggest that Reform UK Ltd., and the Tories are one and the same beast, the suggestion that Labour are the same as either Tories or Reform UK Ltd., is fanciful nonsense.

10 minutes ago, TedG said:

The UK is weak.

The UK is not engaged in an illegal Israeli/US war of aggression and is resisting calls to join this ongoing war crime.

There’s nothing weak about any of that.

3 hours ago, mikeymike100 said:

All the boats are not in fact broken, only 64% out of a total of 25 are broken, which in itself is totally pathetic!

But 99% of the illegals have a nice hotel room and 3 buffet meals a day.

That's what matters.

Well done Sir Keir. Don't join the losing side.

1 hour ago, JonnyF said:

But 99% of the illegals have a nice hotel room and 3 buffet meals a day.

That's what matters.

Groundhog Day

7 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

The UK is not engaged in an illegal Israeli/US war of aggression and is resisting calls to join this ongoing war crime.

There’s nothing weak about any of that.

I hope the entirety of Europe has a fuel shortage.

21 minutes ago, TedG said:

I hope the entirety of Europe has a fuel shortage.

Clearly you don’t understand that oil and gas are commodities.

A shortage on the continent of Europe will drive world prices up, including those in the U.S.

Plenty of oil and gas in the North sea also Russia has quite a bit too , perhaps UK/Europe could make

a 'big beautiful deal' cutting out the terrorist /pirate US once and for all 😁

6 minutes ago, johng said:

Plenty of oil and gas in the North sea also Russia has quite a bit too , perhaps UK/Europe could make

a 'big beautiful deal' cutting out the terrorist /pirate US once and for all 😁

Please, kick the USA out of NATO.

25 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Clearly you don’t understand that oil and gas are commodities.

A shortage on the continent of Europe will drive world prices up, including those in the U.S.

But, we will have oil and you will have to walk.

23 minutes ago, TedG said:

Please, kick the USA out of NATO.

Why? If you wanna leave you know where the door is, and the process you need to go through, right?

Or do you need me to explain it to you?

8 hours ago, TedG said:

The UK is weak.

8 hours ago, TedG said:

The UK is weak.

The US can't defeat a country that has been under heavy sanctions for half a century. You should probably not talk about weakness or you'll come across looking pretty stupid.

Just a helpful tip.

Troll posts removed @pedro01 discuss the topic not other posters

8 hours ago, TedG said:

The UK is weak.

Come ere an say that

30 minutes ago, TedG said:

But, we will have oil and you will have to walk.

1. No, we won't.

2. Even if we couldn't use cars it would still be OK. You see, European cities are made for walking, and almost everywhere there are really good public transportation systems. Heck, in some places, they're even free to use. And did I mention that bicycles (electric and manual) are ubiquitous?

   Amazing, right?😀

8 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

While the number of Tory Refugees that have filled to Reform UK Ltd., dies suggest that Reform UK Ltd., and the Tories are one and the same beast, the suggestion that Labour are the same as either Tories or Reform UK Ltd., is fanciful nonsense.

They all want diversity

They all want ECHR

They all allow corporations to avoid paying tax

They all want net zero

Please explain to me how Labour is different to the other parties?

Because they all look the same to me.

35 minutes ago, Bannoi said:

Come ere an say that

Sure…you are also weak.

5 hours ago, RayC said:

Groundhog Day

Pretty much.