UK looking at all options to secure Strait of Hormuz, says Miliband
UK Evaluating Every Strategy to Safeguard Hormuz Shipping Lanes
Ed Miliband, the UK’s energy secretary, has stated that the country is evaluating every strategy—such as collaborating with the US and its allies—to ensure the safety of critical oil shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. This announcement follows US President Donald Trump’s recent threat to open the strait “one way or another,” prompting calls for nations like the UK, China, and France to deploy warships to the area.
Iran’s recent disruption of the strait has caused severe repercussions on global supply chains and energy prices. The government is currently withholding specific details about the measures under consideration, emphasizing the urgency of maintaining safe passage for maritime trade. Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has declared the strait will remain a tool for exerting political and economic pressure on the United States.
“Ending the conflict is the best and surest way to get the strait reopened,” Miliband reiterated during an interview on BBC One’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg program.
As the US and Israel’s conflict with Iran enters its third week, reports indicate that multiple vessels have been attacked while navigating the narrow waterway. The strait, which typically handles about 20% of the world’s oil traffic, is also suspected of harboring mines deployed by Iran to impede shipping. Miliband highlighted the need to “reopen the strait” and suggested the UK could contribute through mine-hunting drones.
Meanwhile, the Conservative party’s stance on military support has drawn contrast from Labour, with shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho advocating for the UK to consider sending ships or drones to the Middle East if it aligns with national interests. She underscored the importance of securing international shipping lanes and protecting overseas military assets.
“You can rest assured that any options that can help to get the strait reopened are being looked at in concert with our allies,” Miliband stated when pressed about potential UK involvement.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has argued against sending UK ships to the region, favoring a focus on reducing tensions in the war. He criticized Trump for his “reckless” approach, calling the conflict “illegal and damaging” and suggesting the UK should not be subject to American leadership’s dictates.
According to the US Energy Information Administration, 20 million barrels of oil traverse the strait daily, valued at nearly $600bn annually. Beyond oil, the waterway serves as a vital route for other commodities like helium, sulphate, and urea. Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, has asserted that the strait remains accessible to non-enemy vessels and that Iran is “open to countries who want to talk” about safe navigation, though he did not specify which nations have engaged in discussions.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer initially denied allowing US use of UK bases for the offensive against Iran but later permitted “defensive” actions targeting Iranian missile sites. Starmer maintained that the UK does not support “regime change from the skies.” Trump, meanwhile, dismissed Starmer as “no Winston Churchill,” accusing him of delaying US military efforts and seeking to “join wars after we’ve already won.”
Recent updates from the UK Maritime Trade Operations report at least 16 vessels, including several tankers, have been targeted near the shipping lane. Oil prices have risen sharply since the conflict began on 28 February, peaking at nearly $120 per barrel before retreating but still remaining above pre-war levels.
As tensions escalate, the UK continues to weigh its role in safeguarding the strait, balancing strategic contributions with diplomatic considerations.