UK plans to deploy minesweeping drones in Strait of Hormuz as Trump pushes ships

The escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have prompted divergent responses from the UK and US administrations.

“Expert flags Trump's Strait of Hormuz ‘blunder’ as Iran says ‘ready for long war’ Amid Iran tensions, Strait of Hormuz disruptions threaten global oil trade”

Hindustan Times

President Trump has publicly called for multiple countries including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK to deploy ships to the strait.

Hindustan Times

Trump claims that Iran's restrictions have created an 'artificial constraint' on international shipping.

UK officials are considering Trump's demand but remain skeptical about sending warships due to the depleted state of the navy and potential escalation risks.

Following a phone conversation between Trump and Prime Minister Starmer on Sunday night, Downing Street confirmed the leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East.

The UK announced plans to deploy minesweeping drones as an alternative to warship deployment.

The UK's military capabilities in the region appear significantly limited.

HMS Dragon, a Type 45 destroyer, left Portsmouth last week heading for Cyprus but officials acknowledge it will take at least another week to reach Cyprus.

The Guardian

This means even longer to reach the Strait of Hormuz.

More concerning is the departure of HMS Middleton, Britain's last minesweeping ship in the region.

HMS Middleton left Bahrain for maintenance days before the war began.

This move is now at the center of a government row over whether the UK adequately prepared for the conflict.

UK officials are more optimistic about the potential use of minesweeping drones.

These drones can safely detonate mines by mimicking ship movements.

UK is also planning to deploy Octopus counter-drones originally developed for Ukraine.

These counter-drones could potentially be used in the Gulf theater.

Military experts and Iranian officials have issued stark warnings about the dangers of Trump's proposed naval coalition approach.

“Expert flags Trump's Strait of Hormuz ‘blunder’ as Iran says ‘ready for long war’ Amid Iran tensions, Strait of Hormuz disruptions threaten global oil trade”

Hindustan Times

Experts describe it as potentially 'suicidal' and a 'dangerous mistake.'

Rosemary Kelanic, Director of the Middle East Program at Defence Priorities, warned about the dangers.

Kelanic noted the narrow width of the Strait of Hormuz and its proximity to Iranian territory.

She explained that 'Iran occupies the higher ground across the northern side of the strait.'

This allows Iran to launch drones, missiles, or small-boat attacks.

Kelanic stated that 'there's just not enough reaction time to prevent ships from being hit.'

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared Iran 'never sought a ceasefire.'

Araghchi said Iran is 'ready for a "long war."'

The political dynamics surrounding the UK's defense posture reveal significant tensions.

There are tensions between the current Labour government and opposition Conservatives.

The Guardian

Both sides accuse each other of inadequate military preparedness.

Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch criticized ministers for 'dragging their feet on raising defence spending.'

She criticized the slow pace toward reaching 2.5% of GDP by 2027.

However, internal Ministry of Defence figures exposed spending decreases under Conservatives.

Ground-based missile defence spending declined from £158m in 2021-22 to £49.4m in 2023-24.

Counter-drone systems investment dropped from £22.4m in 2021 to £18.1m in 2023.

The MoD spokesperson defended current government's record.

They noted 'defence spending has gone up under the current government.'