UK considers mine-hunting drones to help reopen Strait of Hormuz

The United Kingdom is preparing to send mine-hunting drones to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as London weighs how to support maritime security without escalating the conflict in the Gulf.

The move comes as attacks by Iran in the narrow waterway have disrupted one of the world’s most strategically important shipping corridors. Around 20% of global crude oil supplies move through the Strait of Hormuz, and renewed threats to tanker traffic have already pushed oil prices above $100 a barrel.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was expected to stress de-escalation in remarks on Monday, arguing that the quickest way to ease pressure on living costs is to end the war itself. While all options are reportedly being reviewed with allies, Britain has so far stopped short of sending ships, a step President Donald Trump has publicly urged several countries to take.

That hesitation reflects London’s concern that deploying naval escorts could further intensify the crisis.

The issue also highlights strain in the UK-US relationship. Starmer previously refused to allow Trump to use British bases for the February 28 attack on Tehran, a decision that deepened differences between the two governments.

Trump has since called on countries including China, France, Japan, South Korea and the UK to send vessels to help escort merchant shipping and reduce the threat in the strait. Several governments are said to be considering the request, though responses have varied.

Germany has already rejected the idea. Berlin said NATO has no role in this war, emphasizing that the alliance is defensive in nature and was neither consulted in advance nor asked for support when the conflict began. German officials also noted that Washington had initially said European assistance was not needed.

On the British side, the destroyer Dragon was dispatched from Portsmouth to Cyprus last week as a possible step toward deployment in the Middle East, although it could take another week to arrive if ordered forward.

Even amid the tension, some commercial movements continue. Greek shipowner Dynacom reportedly sent a second tanker through the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend. According to UKMTO, there has not been a verified attack against shipping in the area since March 12.

The question now is whether limited drone-based support can help reopen confidence in the waterway without widening the confrontation. For energy markets and maritime operators alike, the answer carries immediate global consequences.

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