Last Updated on April 13, 2026 9:30 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
AMN/ WEB DESK
United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer has firmly ruled out British involvement in any US-led blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, reiterating that London will not be dragged into a conflict with Iran. Mr Starmer emphaiszed the UK’s commitment to keeping vital shipping lanes accessible without escalating military tensions. His remarks came as Iran threatened ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman after US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that it would begin blockading maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports at 10 am Eastern Time (8:30 PM Indian Standard Time).
The blockade will be applied impartially to vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports, including those along the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Mr Starmer said that Britain has been consistently in consultation with allies on measures to keep the Strait of Hormuz open as tensions between Iran and the US ease. He expressed grave concern over the impact of restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz on global energy markets.
Meanwhile, Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed the call for open navigation, emphasizing that Canberra has received no request from Washington to participate in the blockade of the strategic waterway. Mr. Albanese stressed the importance of renewed negotiations to resolve regional conflicts and called for full respect for international maritime law.
The Unified Command of the Iranian Armed Forces issued a stark warning in response to the US naval blockade, declaring that the security of ports across the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman is under direct threat