Keir Starmer said Britain will not support a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and will resist being drawn into the ongoing Iran war, despite mounting pressure.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live on Monday, the British prime minister made clear that the UK’s priority is to restore normal shipping through the strategically vital waterway.
Focus on reopening key shipping route
Starmer emphasized that reopening the Strait of Hormuz remains central to the UK’s efforts, describing it as a critical objective amid the broader regional conflict.
“It is, in my view, vital that we get the Strait open and fully open,” he said, adding that Britain has been focusing its efforts on that goal in recent days.
UK distances itself from military escalation
The comments signal a clear stance by London against deeper involvement in the Iran war and against measures that could further escalate tensions, such as a naval blockade.
Starmer stressed that, regardless of external pressure, Britain would not be “dragged” into the conflict, underlining a cautious approach as the situation in the region continues to evolve.
