Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Starmer said there is “no intention” for Britain to join the war, regardless of external pressure. He emphasized that any military involvement would require a clear legal basis and a well-defined strategic plan.
He said maintaining open access to the Strait of Hormuz remains a top priority, noting that UK naval assets in the region, including minesweepers, are focused on ensuring maritime routes remain operational, though he declined to discuss specific operational details.
Starmer added that Britain and France are co-hosting efforts to develop a coordinated multinational plan to safeguard international shipping once the conflict de-escalates. He also confirmed that discussions involving around 40 countries had already taken place earlier in the month to explore ways to reopen the strait and stabilize global trade routes.
The comments come amid heightened tensions following the collapse of US-Iran talks and growing uncertainty over maritime security in the Gulf region.
Separately, the United States has announced a naval blockade targeting maritime traffic linked to Iranian ports, escalating concerns of a wider confrontation. US officials say the measures are intended to pressure Tehran over its actions in the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint handling a significant share of global oil shipments.
Iran, however, has strongly rejected external restrictions on its maritime access. The Iranian armed forces warned that Gulf ports and regional waterways should remain open to all or none, calling unilateral restrictions “illegal” and accusing the US of violating international norms.
The standoff has intensified fears of disruption to global energy supplies, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining one of the world’s most strategically sensitive maritime corridors.
