Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has defended the United Kingdom and France's proposed mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz once the Iran war concludes, following remarks from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio who described the plan as a "catch-22."
Cooper Responds to US Skepticism
Speaking to the Press Association, Cooper stated that the initiative has been "discussed many times with the US" and is part of broader efforts to support vessels navigating the critical global shipping lane, which remains under Iranian influence. She emphasized that while the goal is to render such measures unnecessary, the UK is preparing maritime capabilities to ensure safe passage.
"The issue is that we want it not to be needed, but we are preparing and ensuring that we have the maritime capability ready," Cooper explained. She highlighted the importance of a ceasefire, removal of mines by Iran, and the normalization of international shipping. The proposed mission, involving 50 countries, would provide additional demining capabilities and escort ships if required.
Rubio's Catch-22 Criticism
Earlier, Secretary Rubio questioned the logic of naval escorts "if no-one's shooting" during a congressional hearing, acknowledging that the first vessels through the strait might appreciate protection. He described the UK-France initiative as a "catch-22," as it would deploy minesweepers and escort ships only after hostilities end.
Strategic Importance of the Strait
The Strait of Hormuz has become a flashpoint in the ongoing conflict, now in its fourth month. The US military recently launched strikes on an Iranian ground control station on Qeshm Island near the strait, responding to Iranian missiles fired at Kuwait and Bahrain. The vital oil and gas route was open before US and Israeli strikes against Iran in February.
Iran's control over the strait has caused global economic shockwaves, including rising petrol prices in the UK. The US has imposed its own blockade, resulting in a standoff with approximately 1,500 cargo vessels stranded amid a fragile ceasefire shaken by ongoing strikes.
US Stance and Upcoming G7 Summit
Secretary Rubio told the Senate foreign affairs committee that the US has not offered to ease sanctions on Iran in exchange for reopening the strait, stressing it as a key demand in any deal. Washington has argued that Europe needs the sea route "much more than we do," making free transit "much more their fight than ours."
The proposed future defensive mission would see the UK deploy autonomous mine-hunting equipment, anti-drone systems, Typhoon jets, and the destroyer HMS Dragon. Rubio indicated that freeing the strait would top the agenda at the upcoming G7 summit.
