UK and France will not participate in the blockade of the Strait of Ormuz that US President Donald Trump wants to carry out. Yesterday, on his social media, the tycoon stated that "other countries" would take part in the operation. However, the reality is that, for now, no NATO ally has decided to participate, and in the case of Prime Minister Starmer, the refusal has been very clear.
"We are not supporting the blockade. My decision has been very clear: no matter what happens, and there has been considerable pressure, we will not be dragged into war," stated the UK Prime Minister in an interview with the BBC. "Let me be very clear: this is about protecting maritime transport and supporting freedom of navigation once the conflict ends. Our common goal here is a coordinated, independent, and multinational plan," added Starmer himself in Parliament in statements reported by Reuters.
French President Emmanuel Macron has not been as categorical, but he has indicated that his country will only participate in a defensive operation. He also announced on his X social media profile that he will soon organize a meeting with Starmer to create a coalition of countries aimed at restoring navigation in the strait.
"Regarding the Strait of Ormuz, we will organize a conference with the UK in the coming days with countries willing to contribute alongside us to a peaceful multinational mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the strait. This mission, strictly defensive and separate from the belligerent parties, is set to be deployed as soon as the situation allows," Macron stated. No sign of possible collaboration with the US.
This refusal threatens to provoke a new anger from Trump, who has repeatedly seen his allies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization avoid accompanying him in his war against Iran. In Europe, no one wants to get involved in a war they do not see as their own. Not even Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, known for her closeness to the US President.