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UK explores military support to reopen critical oil route
Britain is considering all available measures-including collaboration with the U.S. and allies-to restore safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband confirmed on Sunday.
Iran's blockade disrupts global oil supplies
The strait, a vital chokepoint for roughly 20% of the world's oil, has been effectively sealed by Iran, triggering severe disruptions to energy markets and supply chains. Tehran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, declared the blockade would persist as leverage against the U.S., according to state statements.
Recent weeks have seen multiple vessels attacked while navigating the narrow waterway, with reports suggesting Iran may have deployed mines to obstruct shipping. The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates 20 million barrels of oil-valued at nearly $600 billion annually-typically transit the strait.
Miliband: Conflict resolution key to reopening strait
Appearing on BBC One's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Miliband emphasized the urgency of reopening the strait but declined to specify operational plans. "Any options that can help achieve this are under review with our allies," he said, hinting at potential use of mine-hunting drones.
Pressed on whether the UK might deploy ships or drones, Miliband reiterated that ending the broader conflict remained the "best and surest" path to restoring access.
Political divisions over UK's role
Shadow Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho argued the UK should consider sending military assets if it served national interests, criticizing the Labour government for delaying U.S. access to British bases. "Protecting shipping lanes and military assets abroad is a priority," she said.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey opposed military involvement, calling Trump's actions "reckless" and urging de-escalation. "Britain should not follow an American president who appears directionless," he stated.
U.S. bombers launch from UK bases
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer recently authorized "defensive" U.S. operations from RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia, while rejecting regime-change strikes. Two U.S. B-1 Lancer bombers-capable of carrying bunker-busting munitions-departed RAF Fairford on Sunday for a 15-hour mission to Iran.
Trump had previously dismissed Starmer's approach as weak, claiming the U.S. "didn't need" UK aircraft carriers in the region. The Lancers, among the U.S. Air Force's largest payload bombers, join B-52s and B-2 stealth aircraft in the campaign.
