The UK hopes to appease Donald Trump’s demand for support in the Hormuz Strait by deploying mine-hunting systems, but is not planning to send the warships the US president has requested.
At least 16 commercial ships have been attacked while operating in and around the Gulf since the conflict began on 28 February, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations.
Yesterday Trump called for “China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others” to “send ships to the area so that the Hormuz Strait will no longer be a threat by a nation that has been totally decapitated”. Last week Trump said the UK should not send ships to “join wars after we’ve already won”.
While the Type 45 Destroyer HMS Dragon is en route to the eastern Mediterranean, it is thought this is primarily to protect RAF Akrotiri on Cyprus. No other British warships are in the region. Sources downplayed the prospect of the UK working alongside forces from China.
However, it is thought the UK is looking to use autonomous mine-hunting systems in the region, with Iran accused of having deployed at least a dozen mines in the strait. Defence secretary John Healey last week highlighted the UK’s ability to respond to this “breach of international law”. Speaking at the Permanent Joint Headquarters in London, he added: “There are additional options we're starting to consider that we could deploy alongside allies.”
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “We are discussing with allies and partners a range of options to ensure the security of shipping in the region.”
Photograph by Justin Tallis / AFP via Getty Images
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