UK Calls for Strait of Hormuz Reopening, Rejects Blockade Approach

(MENAFN) The British government has made clear that it does not back any blockade targeting Iranian ports, emphasizing instead that efforts should focus on reopening key maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz to help stabilize global energy costs.

The UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, stated that restoring normal traffic through the strait is essential for easing pressure on energy markets and bringing prices down more quickly. He explained that the government’s main objective is to ensure the waterway is reopened as soon as possible to prevent further disruption to global supply chains.

In an interview, Starmer avoided directly responding to questions about whether he holds the US president personally accountable for the effect on British energy bills. Instead, he highlighted that his priority is to work with international partners to reduce tensions and encourage the reopening of the strategic passage, describing this as the most critical task at hand.

“Our response is focused on getting the Strait of Hormuz opened because that’s the way we get energy prices down as quickly as possible,” Starmer said.

He also noted that Iran bears responsibility for limiting maritime movement through the Gulf region, while stressing that the UK does not intend to become directly involved in escalating conflict.

According to reports, the US has announced a blockade on Iranian ports scheduled to take effect at 1400 GMT, marking a significant escalation in tensions. The announcement followed recent indirect and direct discussions between Washington and Tehran held in Islamabad over the weekend aimed at ending ongoing hostilities that began in late February, though those talks did not result in any agreement.

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