UK declines participation in US-led blockade of Hormuz — Sky News
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (photo: president.gov.ua)
The UK said it would not participate in the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz announced by US President Donald Trump, Sky News reports.
"We continue to support freedom of navigation and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, which is urgently needed to support the global economy and the cost of living back home," a UK government spokesperson told the outlet.
He added that the country would not participate in the US-led blockade of the strait and stated that charging fees for passage through the waterway is unacceptable.
"We are urgently working with France and other partners to put together a wide coalition to protect freedom of navigation," the source said.
Today, on April 12, Donald Trump claimed that the UK was sending minesweepers to help clear the waterway of Iranian sea mines. According to Sky News, London already has mine-hunting capabilities deployed in the region.
Failed talks, Hormuz blockade
On April 11–12, the United States and Iran held lengthy talks in Pakistan to end the war. However, US Vice President JD Vance said the sides failed to reach an agreement.
Later on April 12, President Trump described the negotiations as positive, saying many issues had been agreed upon, but Iran's refusal to abandon its nuclear ambitions effectively nullified the progress.
Amid this, the American leader announced that the US Navy would begin a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that no ship would be allowed to enter or leave.
