Britain Rejects Joining US Blockade of Strait of Hormuz

Britain has affirmed that it will not participate in the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz being carried out by the United States (US). This was stated by the British government after US President Donald Trump ordered the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following the failure of peace negotiations between the US and Iran in Pakistan. “We continue to support freedom of navigation and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for supporting the global economy and domestic living costs,” said a UK government spokesperson, as quoted by Sky News and reported by Anadolu Agency on Monday (13/4/2026). “The Strait of Hormuz must not be subjected to toll fees,” the spokesperson firmly stated. The spokesperson added that Britain is “working urgently” with France and several other partners to build a coalition to protect freedom of navigation. Trump had previously ordered the US Navy to blockade the vital shipping route of the Strait of Hormuz, angered by Iran’s refusal to abandon its nuclear ambitions after peace talks in Pakistan ended in failure without agreement. In a lengthy statement on his social media, Trump said the ultimate goal of the US is to clear the Strait of Hormuz of sea mines and reopen it for all shipping, with Iran not to be allowed to profit from its control over the strategic waterway. “Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Best in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING all ships attempting to enter or exit the Strait of Hormuz. Any Iranian citizen who shoots at us, or peaceful ships, will be ANNIHILATED!” Trump emphasised. Iran itself has restricted traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, the main route for global oil and gas shipments, but allows certain ships deemed related to friendly countries, such as China, to pass through. There are unconfirmed reports that Tehran plans to impose toll fees in the Strait of Hormuz. “THIS IS WORLD BLACKMAIL,” Trump stated. “I have also instructed our Navy to search and intercept any ship in international waters that has paid entry fees to Iran. No one who pays illegal entry fees will get a safe passage in the high seas. We will also begin destroying the mines planted by Iran in the strait,” he emphasised. Trump had previously also said that Britain is sending mine-sweeping ships to help clear the Strait of Hormuz.