Starmer Snubs Trump's Hormuz Coalition: UK Refuses To Deploy Warships To Secure Strait

Last Updated:March 16, 2026, 13:08 IST

Trump has argued that countries dependent on oil flowing through Hormuz should shoulder responsibility for securing navigation through the vital waterway.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declined a request from US President Donald Trump to deploy warships to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a decision that risks deepening strains between London and Washington.

Citing the Daily Telegraph, reports say Starmer’s refusal comes amid existing friction after Trump voiced frustration over Britain’s earlier decision not to allow US forces to use British bases for an initial strike on Iran.

Trump has argued that countries dependent on oil flowing through Hormuz, including the UK, China, South Korea, France and Japan, should shoulder responsibility for securing navigation through the vital waterway.

Tensions around the strait have intensified since early March, when Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Major General Ebrahim Jabari warned that Hormuz could be closed in response to US and Israeli military action against Iran.

Days later, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the strait remained technically open but that ships and tankers were avoiding it due to fears of attacks from both sides.

Several US allies have reacted cautiously to Trump’s push for a naval coalition.

Australia ruled out sending vessels, with cabinet minister Catherine King saying Canberra recognises the strait’s importance but has not been asked to contribute and has no plans to do so.

Japan has also stopped short of any commitment, with senior lawmaker Sanae Takaichi saying Tokyo is “not considering" maritime security operations for now and is still reviewing its options within the bounds of domestic law.

Trump said on Sunday that he has pressed around seven countries to send warships to help keep the strait open amid the ongoing conflict with Iran, as reports suggest Washington is preparing to announce a global coalition to escort commercial shipping.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said the countries involved are heavily reliant on Middle Eastern oil, noting that while the United States imports very little crude through Hormuz, others, particularly China, depend on it far more.

Despite the push, the lack of firm commitments from key allies underscores the diplomatic challenges facing Washington as it seeks to secure one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints.

News world Starmer Snubs Trump's Hormuz Coalition: UK Refuses To Deploy Warships To Secure Strait

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