The UK could send minehunting drones to the Strait of Hormuz after President Trump urged Britain to send ships to help end the Iranian blockade of the key oil trade route.
According to The Times, a defense source confirmed one option under consideration was the use of autonomous minehunting drones operated by the Royal Navy's Mine and Threat Exploitation Group, MTXG, which are currently in the region. The Times also explained that Minehunter drones trick sea mines into detonating safely.
Responding to Mr. Trump's calls, a Ministry of Defense spokesperson said: “As we've said previously, we are currently discussing with our allies and partners a range of options to ensure the security of shipping in the region.”
Earlier today, writing on social media, the US president said: “Many countries, especially those who are affected by Iran's attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending warships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the strait open and safe.
“We have already destroyed 100% of Iran's military capability, but it's easy for them to send a drone or two, drop a mine, or deliver a close-range missile somewhere along, or in, this waterway, no matter how badly defeated they are.
“Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint, will send ships to the area so that the Hormuz Strait will no longer be a threat by a nation that has been totally decapitated.
“In the meantime, the United States will be bombing the hell out of the shoreline, and continuously shooting Iranian boats and ships out of the water. One way or the other, we will soon get the Hormuz Strait OPEN, SAFE, and FREE!”
Today (Saturday, March 14), Britain's counter-drone forces in the Middle East have shot down multiple drones overnight. The counter-attacks were part of the UK's operations to defend its bases in Qatar, Cyprus, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.