UK Will Not Support Blockade Of Strait Of Hormuz: Starmer

(MENAFN- Pajhwok Afghan News) KABUL (Pajhwok): British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Monday that the United Kingdom would not be drawn into a war with Iran or participate in any blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, despite pressure.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Starmer stressed that Britain was not supporting any maritime blockade in the region, Reuters reported.

He said it was“vital” to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains fully open, adding that London's current efforts are focused on maintaining freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway.

“It is, in my view, vital that we get the Strait open and fully open, and that's where we've put all of our efforts in the last few weeks and we'll continue to do so,” he said.

Starmer noted that British naval assets, including minesweepers deployed in the region, were part of efforts aimed at keeping sea lanes open. While he declined to discuss operational details, he said Britain's military posture was“focused... on getting the Strait fully open.”

He also said Britain was under pressure to join the conflict but emphasized that any involvement would require a“clear lawful basis” and a“clear thought-through plan.”

“My decision has been very clearly that whatever the pressure, and there's been some considerable pressure, we're not getting dragged into the war,” Starmer said.

Separately, reports said the United States military had announced plans for a naval blockade on Iranian ports beginning Monday, following unsuccessful talks in Islamabad.

According to a statement attributed to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the measure would restrict“all maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports” starting at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time (14:00 GMT) on April 13.

The reported restriction would apply to vessels of all nationalities operating in Iranian coastal waters, including the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

US President Donald Trump also warned that American forces would intercept vessels accused of paying what he described as an“illegal toll” to Iran. He said on social media:

“No one who pays ⁠an illegal ​toll will have safe passage on the high ​seas,” Trump wrote on social media, adding:“Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be ​BLOWN TO HELL!”

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