UK looking at all options to secure Strait of Hormuz, says Miliband

The UK is looking at "any options" - including working with the US and allies - to secure key oil shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, Ed Miliband has said.

“- Published The UK is looking at "any options" - including working with the US and allies - to secure key oil shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, Ed Miliband has said”

BBC

It comes after US President Donald Trump on Saturday threatened to open the channel "one way or another" and urged countries including the UK, China, and France to send warships to the waterway.

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The energy secretary told the BBC it was "very important" that the strait be made safe for shipping, but refused to give details of options being considered by the government.

Iran's effective blockage of the strait, one of the world's most important shipping channels, has had a catastrophic impact on global supply chains and energy prices.

According to a statement attributed to Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran will continue blocking the strait, as a means of political and economic pressure against the US.

As the US and Israel's war with Iran enters its third week, a number of ships are said to have been attacked as they attempted to navigate the narrow strait - through which about 20% of the world's oil usually passes.

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There are also concerns that Iran has placed mines in the passage as part of its attempts to hinder shipping.

Speaking on BBC One's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, Miliband said it was a "priority" for the strait to be reopened and that there were "different ways we can contribute, including with mine-hunting drones".

“- Published The UK is looking at "any options" - including working with the US and allies - to secure key oil shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, Ed Miliband has said”

BBC

Pressed on whether the UK was considering sending drones or ships to the region, Miliband responded: "You can rest assured that any options that can help to get the strait reopened are being looked at in concert with our allies."

Refusing to be drawn into any operational details, Miliband reiterated that "ending the conflict is the best and surest way to get the strait reopened".

In 2025, about 20 million barrels of oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz per day, according to estimates from the US Energy Information Administration – nearly $600bn (£447bn) worth of energy trade per year.