UK Won’t Join US Hormuz Blockade, Coordinates With France To Protect Freedom Of Navigation

Last Updated:April 12, 2026, 23:59 IST

The UK’s response came just hours after US President Donald Trump announced America will start blockading any ship trying to enter or leave Homruz.

The United Kingdom has said it will not participate in the United States’ proposed naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, signalling a divergence in approach among Western allies. London is instead “urgently working with France and other partners to put together a wide coalition to protect the freedom of navigation," according to a report by SKY News.

The move reflects growing international concern over rising tensions in the region and the need to keep one of the world’s most critical shipping routes open.

US Announces Blockade Amid Rising Tensions

The UK’s response came just hours after US President Donald Trump announced a major escalation in the region.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, “Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter or leave the Strait Of Hormuz."

He justified the move by accusing Iran of maintaining an “unyielding" position on its nuclear ambitions during recent talks held in Islamabad.

Talks Fail To Resolve Core Dispute

Trump said he had been briefed by senior officials, including Vice President JD Vance, following nearly 20 hours of negotiations between US and Iranian representatives in Pakistan’s capital.

While he noted that “most points were agreed to," the key issue of Iran’s nuclear programme remained unresolved, leading to the current escalation.

UK Calls For Continued Diplomacy After Talks Stall

UK government minister Wes Streeting on Sunday expressed concern over the stalled negotiations between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, calling the lack of progress “disappointing".

“It’s obviously disappointing that we haven’t yet seen a breakthrough in negotiations and an end to this war in Iran that is a sustainable one," Streeting told Sky News.

However, he stressed that diplomacy must continue despite the setback. “As ever in diplomacy, you’re failing, until you succeed. So while these talks may not have ended in success, that doesn’t mean there isn’t merit in continuing to try," the health minister added.

Streeting Slams Trump’s Social Media Rhetoric

Streeting also took aim at US President Donald Trump over his recent remarks on social media, describing them as provocative during a sensitive time.

“Over the course of the past week, President Trump has said some pretty bold… incendiary, provocative, outrageous things on social media," he said.

He further indicated that the UK government would focus more on actions than statements, noting that London would continue to assess Trump based on his decisions rather than his rhetoric.

The comments come amid visible tensions between Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with both leaders exchanging sharp remarks over the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

Shipping Concerns And Global Impact

The US President also accused Iran of failing to honour its commitment to keep the Strait open, adding that reports of sea mines had created fear among global shipping operators.

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime corridor through which a significant share of the world’s oil supply passes. Any disruption could impact global energy markets and trade flows.

News world UK Won’t Join US Hormuz Blockade, Coordinates With France To Protect Freedom Of Navigation

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