Starmer Refuses to Participate in Hormuz Blockade, UK Focuses on Pushing for Strait Opening
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK will not be dragged into Iran's war and will not participate in the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, despite mounting pressure. He emphasized that London does not support the blockade and prioritizes efforts to ensure the strait is "fully opened."
Starmer noted that the UK has minesweepers in the area. Without elaborating on operational aspects, he said the UK's military capabilities are focused on supporting the reopening of the strait.
The statement came after the US military announced it would begin a blockade of maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas starting Monday at 10:00 a.m. ET (14:00 GMT), after weekend talks failed to produce a deal. US Central Command said enforcement would apply "indiscriminately" to vessels from all countries entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas, including in the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, but vessels transiting Hormuz to or from non-Iranian ports would not be impeded.
US President Donald Trump added that the US would intercept vessels in international waters that allegedly pay Iran a "toll" to pass through, and threatened a strong response if there were any attacks on US forces or civilian vessels.
Source: Newsmaker.id
