UK, Australia decline to join US naval blockade of Strait of Hormuz

The UK and Australia have declined to support a United States-led naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting growing divisions between Washington and its allies as tensions escalate in the Middle East.

British PM Keir Starmer has refused to back the move, while Australian PM Anthony Albanese said Canberra had not been asked to assist and expressed concerns over the potential impact on global trade.

The proposed blockade, announced by US President Donald Trump, is expected to begin later on Monday following the collapse of peace talks with Iran over the weekend.

According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation will target “all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports”, effectively restricting movement through one of the world’s most critical oil and gas shipping routes.

Trump said American naval forces would “blockade any and all ships” attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz and would also intercept vessels in international waters that had paid what he described as an “illegal toll” to Iran.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, the US president asserted that no vessel complying with such payments would be granted safe passage. He later suggested in a media interview that the UK and other countries could contribute support vessels, including minesweepers.

However, both the UK and Australia have opted not to participate in the operation, underscoring growing unease among allies over the move.

The development comes as regional tensions remain high, with Israel placing its military on a heightened state of readiness amid fears of further escalation with Iran.

The Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime corridor linking the Arabian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, accounts for a substantial proportion of the world’s oil shipments.

The situation follows reports that Iran has begun levying tolls on vessels transiting the waterway, prompting the US response. Washington is also said to be considering further military action after diplomatic efforts to ease tensions failed