Stephen Doughty, UK minister of state for Europe and North America, said Britain does not support the US blockade but backs efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz with international partners.
He said maritime traffic must move freely without tolls or security risks, in line with international law.
Doughty described Iran’s blocking of the strait as holding “the rest of the world to ransom” and stressed the need for diplomacy, de-escalation and a ceasefire.