LONDON – Britain is evaluating further military deployments to the Gulf following Iran’s intensified assaults on shipping, Defence Minister John Healey announced Thursday, noting existing UK autonomous mine-hunting systems in the area.
The Royal Navy last week confirmed its aging minehunter HMS Middleton, over 40 years old and no longer seaworthy, had returned from Bahrain to Britain on March 1. “We already have autonomous mine-hunting capabilities deployed regionally, and we’re exploring additional options to send with allies,” Healey stated.
Iran’s actions come amid reports from two sources that Tehran has sown around a dozen mines in the Strait of Hormuz, the vital chokepoint for oil and LNG tankers, potentially hindering any reopening of the passage. The U.S. military reported striking 16 Iranian mine-laying boats on Tuesday.
Escalation marked Thursday with two tankers set ablaze in an Iraqi port by suspected Iranian explosive drones, following strikes on three other vessels earlier in the Gulf. Healey labeled it a “major escalation” and “breach of international law,” warning of impacts on global oil prices and living costs.