UK Rejects US Strait of Hormuz Blockade Plan

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the United Kingdom's commitment to diplomatic efforts to reopen the vital shipping route amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The announcement came as Trump directed the U.S. Navy to begin interdicting vessels on Monday afternoon, following the collapse of peace talks between the United States and Iran.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway off the coast of Iran that carries about one-fifth of the world's oil, has been effectively closed by Iran in retaliation for the ongoing U.S.- and Israel-led military actions against it. This closure, which began after hostilities intensified, has already driven up global energy prices, with gas and petrol costs rising sharply and threatening further increases when markets reopen. Trump, posting on his Truth Social platform, instructed U.S. forces to target any ships that have paid tolls to Iran or attempt to enter or leave the strait, warning that Iranian forces firing on U.S. vessels or others would face severe consequences. He added that other countries would join the effort, though he provided no...