Britain is considering deploying ships and mine-hunting drones to the Middle East to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has said. About 20% of the world's oil supply passes through the strait, and its effective closure has driven oil prices from around $65 a barrel to approximately $100.
Miliband told the BBC that ministers were exploring all options in coordination with allies, including the United States. 'There are different ways that we could contribute, including with mine-hunting drones,' he said. 'Any options that can help to get the strait reopened are being looked at.'
The comments follow a social media post by US President Donald Trump urging the UK, China, France, Japan, South Korea and others to send naval vessels to the region. Trump wrote that the US would 'bomb the hell out of the shoreline' and 'shoot Iranian Boats and Ships out of the water' to secure the waterway.
Britain reportedly plans to use mine-hunting drones that mimic passing ships to trick mines into detonating safely. However, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has faced criticism for not deploying ships sooner. The Royal Navy no longer has mine-hunting vessels in the region after the last one was towed from Bahrain days before the conflict began.
Ministers are also weighing 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' but no final decision has been taken.
