British military officers have been dispatched to the United States to assist in planning the reopening of the blockaded Strait of Hormuz, as oil prices continue to surge amid heightened Middle East tensions.
The price of Brent crude rose by about 7 per cent to cross $114 (£85) a barrel on Thursday, approaching levels not seen since the conflict escalated in late February. The spike followed reports of an Israeli attack on Iran's South Pars gas field.
A small team of UK military planners has been sent to US Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, to help develop options for reopening shipping through the strategic waterway, which is feared to contain mines. However, defence sources stressed the situation remains perilous, with few nations willing to deploy warships into the threat zone.
Armed forces minister Al Carns highlighted the complexity, noting that in 1987, 30 warships were needed for escort duties. He emphasised the need for a multinational solution, stating, “There’s one thing worse than working with allies, and that’s working without them.”
US President Donald Trump has suggested he might withdraw from securing the Strait once Iran is “finished off,” leaving the responsibility to other nations. In a social media post, he criticised allies for not supporting US efforts.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer defended his cautious approach, insisting he would not allow UK forces to be drawn into a “wider war.” He called for a negotiated settlement with Iran and highlighted UK support for households facing rising heating oil costs.
