UK says it is "considering all options" after Trump requests warships

The UK said it is “considering all options” after receiving a request from U.S. President Donald Trump to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz.

Energy Security Secretary Ed Miliband said in an appearance on the BBC on the 15th (local time) that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is important, adding, “There are various ways we can contribute, including mine-detection drones.”

In a post on Truth Social the previous day, President Trump said he hoped China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK and other countries would send vessels to the area.

Asked whether the UK is also considering deploying drones or ships, Miliband said, “You can take it that we are considering with our allies any option that could help reopen the strait.” He added, “The best and surest way to reopen the strait is to end the war.”

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson also responded in general terms to a query from The Times about Trump’s remarks, saying, “We are currently discussing with allies and partners various options to ensure the safety of shipping in the region.”

The Times previously reported that the UK is considering deploying mine-detection drones and thousands of interceptor drones to the area around the Strait of Hormuz. According to the outlet, senior British military leaders are said to be discussing what options would be available if a decision is made to deploy additional assets to the Gulf.

At present, the Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon has been dispatched to bolster the defence of the UK military base in Cyprus.

Trump’s remarks have also sparked debate in UK politics. Claire Coutinho, the Conservative Party’s shadow energy security secretary, told the BBC that the UK should consider sending warships or drones to the Middle East if it aligns with the national interest.

She also argued that a Conservative government would have allowed the U.S. to use UK military bases more quickly than the Labour government.

However, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said the UK should focus on de-escalation and should not send warships to the Strait of Hormuz. He stressed that the U.S. war against Iran is “reckless and illegal,” and that the UK should not be pushed around into doing as it is told.

Lee Seul-gi, Hankyung.com reporter seulkee@hankyung.com