UK Refuses to Join US- Led Blockade of Strait of Hormuz, Citing Need for Open Waterway

London: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has made it clear that his country will not join the "blockade" of the Strait of Hormuz announced by United States President Donald Trump. Other US allies have also criticised Trump's move. Speaking to BBC radio on Monday, Starmer said, "We are not supporting this blockade." He added that the United Kingdom "does not want to be dragged into" the US-Israel war against Iran. Starmer said it was "absolutely vital" to reopen the strait. Under normal circumstances, about 20 per cent of the world's oil supplies pass through this strategic waterway, which connects the Gulf states to the Indian Ocean. "I think it is absolutely essential that we fully open this strait." Speaking from London on Monday, Starmer said he would "continue to push in that direction."