British military experts sent to US to plan reopening of Strait of Hormuz amid growing Iran crisis
British officers have been sent to the US to help plan how to reopen the blockaded Strait of Hormuz amid rising oil prices.
Prices rose overnight on Thursday as attacks on energy facilities in the Middle East increased and fears grew about major disruptions to global supply.
The price of Brent crude rose nearly 7 percent on Thursday morning to exceed $114 per barrel; This means the conflict is approaching its highest level since it escalated in late February.
There were reports that Israel launched an attack on Iran’s South Pars gas field.
A small team of UK military planners is understood to have been sent to US central command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, which is responsible for American military operations in the Middle East.
Officers are there to help put together options on how to open shipping along the route due to fears that the route now contains mines.
However, defense sources stressed that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz was so dangerous that many countries would not be willing to put their warships “in the middle of this threat right now”.
US President Donald Trump has suggested he could solve the problem after his military strikes “finish” Iran, leaving it to countries that depend on oil and gas exports via the waterway to secure Iran.
Minister of the Armed Forces Al Carns said: “When this last incident occurred in 1987, 30 warships had to be escorted through the Strait of Hormuz. This gives you just one example of the resources required.”
He said the situation is now even more complicated with Iran’s arsenal of fast attack boats, different types of mines, ballistic missiles and unmanned aircraft in the air, at sea and under the waves.
Mr Carns said: “I would say it has to be a multinational solution. We’re not close to that at the moment, but I would say there’s only one thing worse than working with allies, and that’s working without them.”
Meanwhile, defense secretary John Healey discussed the situation with counterparts from France, Germany, Italy and Poland on Wednesday.
“We are working with our allies to strengthen regional security and protect British interests,” Mr Healey said.
Another senior defense official said the situation was “incredibly fluid” and “I think the threat level is so high that I don’t see many countries being willing to put their warships in the middle of that threat right now.”
Mr. Trump has repeatedly chastised countries, including Britain, for failing to respond to his request for support at the maritime chokepoint.
In a post on the Truth Social platform, Mr. Trump said: “I wonder what would happen if we ‘finished’ what was left of the Iranian State of Terror and let the Countries that used it (we didn’t) be responsible for the so-called ‘Straight.’ (sic)
“This will allow some of our unresponsive “Allies” to get into gear and be fast!!!”
At Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Sir Keir defended his approach, insisting he would not allow UK forces to be dragged into a “wider war”.
Iran closed the strait to most ships after commercial ships were attacked.
Sir Keir said: “I want this war to end as quickly as possible. The longer it goes on, the greater the impact it will have on the cost of living. That’s why we intervened to support households with heating oil costs.”
“The best way forward is to reach a negotiated agreement with Iran giving up its desire to develop nuclear weapons.”
Britain has sent the air defense destroyer HMS Dragon to help defend Cyprus against drones and missiles, but the ship has not yet reached the Eastern Mediterranean.
The destroyer was seen leaving Gibraltar during the night.
Royal Navy and RAF pilots have flown 650 hours in operations in the Middle East and British forces have shot down more than 40 drones since the start of the crisis.
