UK Refuses to Join US Blockade of Iranian Ports in Strait of Hormuz

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared that the UK will not support the US blockade of Iranian ports.

Starmer told BBC Radio 5 Live: "We're not supporting the blockade, and all of the marshalling – diplomatically, politically and capability – that's all focused on getting the Strait fully open."

Akhbaar 24

The UK has mine-sweeping capability in the region but will not participate in enforcing the blockade.

France's Macron confirmed that France and the UK would co-host a conference aimed at restoring freedom of navigation through a peaceful multinational and strictly defensive mission.

Trump had signaled other countries would help implement the blockade, but European and Gulf states have been reluctant to get involved.

The German government repeated that it is not participating, calling Trump's comments a vague statement that is not based on any new facts.

China called for calm and a ceasefire, saying a blockade is not in the common interests of the international community.

The Kremlin criticized the proposed US blockade, stating it would negatively affect global markets.

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Spain's Defense Minister described the blockade as senseless and called for de-escalation.

Turkish Foreign Minister said international transit should remain free and unimpeded.

The International Committee of the Red Cross expressed deep concern over attacks on medical workers in Lebanon.

Russia began pulling nearly all of its personnel from Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant.

The US military announced it would block all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports starting at 14:00 GMT.

Central Command stated the blockade would be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas.

US forces would not impede vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports.

The blockade came after marathon US-Iran ceasefire talks in Pakistan ended without an agreement.

Oil prices surged above $100 a barrel following the announcement.

The UK and France planned to co-host a summit to advance work on a coordinated, independent, multinational plan to safeguard international shipping.

Relations between Starmer and Trump have become strained after Starmer declined to allow US forces to use British military bases.

Trump fired a volley of insults at Starmer, comparing him to Neville Chamberlain.

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Starmer has insisted the conflict is not our war and the UK will be guided by principles and values.

The UK has permitted use of its bases for American assets taking part in defensive operations.

The government is due to increase fuel duty in September, but opposition parties have urged the prime minister to scrap the rise.