UK considers military options for shipping security in the Strait of Hormuz

On March 14, 2026, UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband confirmed that the British government is in talks with allies, including the United States, to discuss options for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Proposals include deploying naval vessels and drones to clear mines and protect shipping from regional threats. Reports from the Sunday Telegraph suggest the plan could involve thousands of interception drones to defend against aerial attacks, though the Ministry of Defence stated that its formal position remains unchanged despite requests from Donald Trump. Separately, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that British fighter jets are conducting ongoing air defense operations in Qatar, Cyprus, the UAE, and Bahrain. Overnight, a British anti-drone unit successfully intercepted multiple unmanned aerial vehicles following strikes on coalition bases. The government continues to evaluate a wide range of options to ensure the safety of maritime traffic in the region.