Britain is considering sending naval vessels and mine-hunting drones to the Middle East to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has said. The government is discussing possible contributions with allies after US President Donald Trump called on several countries, including the UK, to deploy ships to secure the strategic shipping route. Don’t miss the latest headlines from Thailand and around the world. Get the Asean Now Briefing newsletter, delivered daily. Sign up here. About a fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes through the narrow waterway. Its effective closure earlier in the conflict has pushed oil prices up sharply, raising concerns about the impact on global energy markets. UK discussing options with alliesSpeaking to the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg programme on Sunday, Miliband said ministers were examining different ways Britain could help restore safe passage through the strait. “It is very important that we get the Strait of Hormuz reopened,” he said, adding that the UK had already been in discussions with partners including the United States. “There are different ways that we could contribute, including with mine-hunting drones,” he said. “All of these things are being looked at in concert with our allies.” Miliband said the government was considering “any options” that could assist in reopening the vital shipping lane. Trump calls for international naval supportThe comments came a day after Trump urged multiple countries to send warships to the region. Writing on his Truth Social platform, the US president said nations that rely on oil transported through the strait should help ensure its security. He named the UK, China, France, Japan and South Korea among those that could deploy naval forces to keep the waterway open. Trump said the United States would continue military operations in the area while working with other countries to restore safe passage for shipping. Pressure over UK military responseThe British government has faced criticism over the speed of its response to the crisis. HMS Dragon left the UK earlier in the week and is heading to Cyprus, where it will support operations at the RAF base at Akrotiri. However, the Royal Navy currently has no mine-hunting ships stationed in the Gulf after the last vessel in the region was withdrawn shortly before the conflict began. Reports suggest the UK may instead deploy mine-hunting drones, which are designed to trigger naval mines safely by mimicking the movement of passing ships. Concerns over energy pricesThe disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has had an immediate impact on energy markets. Oil prices have risen from around $65 a barrel before the conflict to roughly $100, raising fears of higher fuel costs and inflation in many countries. Asked whether the government might reconsider a planned rise in UK fuel duty later this year, Miliband said ministers would support the public during the crisis. “We will stand by the British people in this crisis,” he said, though officials indicated no final decision had yet been taken on the planned increase. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now · Source · 15.March 2026
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