UK looking at all options to secure Strait of Hormuz, says Miliband
UK Considering All Measures to Safeguard Hormuz Passage, Says Miliband
Ed Miliband, the UK’s energy secretary, has emphasized that the government is exploring “any options” to ensure the safe passage of oil through the Strait of Hormuz. This follows a statement from US President Donald Trump, who on Saturday warned of opening the strait “one way or another” and called on countries such as the UK, China, and France to deploy warships to the region. Miliband highlighted the critical role of the strait in global trade but declined to specify the exact strategies under consideration.
Iran’s recent obstruction of the waterway has disrupted energy markets and supply chains, raising concerns about its broader geopolitical impact. A statement from Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, indicated the nation would persist in blocking the strait as a tool to exert pressure on the United States. As the conflict with the US and Israel enters its third week, reports suggest several ships have been targeted while traversing the narrow channel, which typically handles 20% of the world’s oil traffic.
“Ending the conflict is the best and surest way to get the strait reopened,” Miliband reiterated during an appearance on BBC One’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme. He added that the UK would employ “different ways” to support the reopening, including “mine-hunting drones” and collaboration with allies.
Meanwhile, shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho proposed that the UK should consider sending military assets to the Middle East if it aligns with national interests. She stressed the importance of restoring international shipping lanes and safeguarding overseas military installations. Coutinho also noted that the Conservative party would have expedited the US’s use of UK bases compared to Labour.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, however, argued against direct military intervention. He criticized Trump’s approach to the conflict as “very reckless,” calling the war “illegal and damaging.” Davey urged the UK to prioritize de-escalation over military involvement, questioning whether the country should follow US leadership blindly.
According to the US Energy Information Administration, approximately 20 million barrels of oil pass through Hormuz daily, contributing nearly $600bn annually to global energy trade. The strait also facilitates the transport of other goods like helium and sulphate. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated the waterway remains accessible to non-enemy vessels and that the nation is “open to countries who want to talk” about secure passage. While he mentioned several nations had approached Iran, he did not reveal their identities.
Tehran has framed its attacks on energy infrastructure as retaliation for US and Israeli strikes, warning that any tanker supporting the US or its allies could be targeted. The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported at least 16 vessels, including tankers, have been damaged near the strait during the ongoing conflict. Oil prices have surged since the war began on 28 February, rising from $71 per barrel to a peak of nearly $120, though they have since stabilized at higher levels.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer initially hesitated to allow US use of UK bases for operations against Iran but later permitted “defensive” actions targeting Iranian missile sites. He maintained that the UK did not support air-based regime change. Trump, in turn, criticized Starmer, dubbing him “no Winston Churchill” and asserting the US no longer required British aircraft carriers in the region.
On Sunday, two US B-1 Lancer bombers launched from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, marking a continued US military presence in the area.