Britain is considering sending ships and mine-hunting drones to the Middle East to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has said. The vital waterway, through which about 20% of the world's oil supply passes, has been effectively closed due to the conflict, causing oil prices to rise from approximately $65 to about $100 per barrel.
Miliband confirmed on Sunday that ministers were discussing options with allies, including the United States. 'It is very important that we get the Strait of Hormuz reopened. And we have already been talking with our allies, including the US, about this,' he told the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg. 'There are different ways that we could contribute, including with mine-hunting drones. All of these things are being looked at in concert with our allies.'
His remarks followed a social media post by US President Donald Trump urging Britain, China, France, Japan, South Korea and others to send naval vessels to the region. Trump wrote on Truth Social: 'Many Countries, especially those who are affected by Iran's attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending War Ships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the Strait open and safe.' He added that the US would be 'bombing the hell out of the shoreline' and targeting Iranian boats and ships.
The UK's response comes amid criticism that the government has been slow to deploy ships to the region. The Royal Navy currently has no mine-hunting vessels in the area after the last one was towed back from Bahrain days before the conflict began. HMS Dragon departed for Cyprus on Tuesday to bolster the RAF base at Akrotiri.
Ministers are also considering the domestic impact of rising energy prices, which threaten the UK's economic recovery. Asked about a planned fuel duty rise in September, Miliband said the government would 'stand by the British people in this crisis'. No final decision has been taken, according to government officials.
