The United Kingdom has said it will not join a proposed United States blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, creating another area of disagreement between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer over the Iran conflict.

In a statement on Sunday, the British government reiterated its support for freedom of navigation and the reopening of the strait, following Trump’s announcement that the U.S. would impose a full naval blockade on the key waterway critical to global energy flows.

“Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump posted on Truth Social on Sunday. “Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL.”

Britain will not take part in the proposed blockade, according to people familiar with the government’s position who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

Speaking on Fox News about his plan to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said he understood that “the UK and a couple of other countries are sending minesweepers.”

The UK has discussed the possible deployment of autonomous mine-hunting drones in the Strait of Hormuz if a workable plan is agreed with allies to reopen the waterway.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has previously said the systems were already “in the region,” though officials stressed this is separate from President Donald Trump’s threat to impose a blockade.

Representatives from Britain and a coalition of other countries are expected to attend further talks in the coming days to explore options for reopening the strait.

However, many participating nations are reluctant to commit naval forces unless a broader and lasting peace agreement is reached, and most reportedly view reopening the waterway through military action as unfeasible.

In the Fox interview, Trump also renewed his criticism of Starmer, again likening him to former British wartime leader Neville Chamberlain, a figure often associated with appeasement of Adolf Hitler. He also faulted the UK Prime Minister for suggesting military support could be provided only after the conflict ends.

“You need the equipment before the war starts or during the war,” Trump said, describing Starmer’s position as a “Neville Chamberlain-type statement.”

Tensions between both leaders have reportedly intensified after Starmer declined to authorize the use of British military bases for initial US strikes on Iran, prompting Trump to launch a series of personal criticisms against him.