British military divers are preparing to conduct mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz if required, the UK Ministry of Defence has confirmed.
Royal Navy specialists trained in mine neutralisation and clearance are being readied to provide additional capabilities alongside unmanned systems. The preparations come as military planners meet in London for a second day of talks focused on maritime security in the strategically important waterway.
The UK also confirmed it will deploy autonomous mine-hunting vessels as part of a proposed multinational mission aimed at safeguarding navigation through the strait and easing economic pressure caused by recent disruptions to shipping routes.
The initiative is part of broader Western efforts to maintain freedom of navigation in the Gulf region. Britain and France have jointly hosted a series of meetings to coordinate responses and strengthen maritime security.
However, divisions remain among participating countries over the extent of US involvement. The White House has insisted that European assistance is not necessary, while US President Donald Trump has previously downplayed British naval contributions.
The situation follows heightened tensions in the region, including an extended ceasefire announcement and reports of continued maritime incidents affecting commercial shipping. Iran has signalled opposition to ongoing restrictions and has recently detained foreign vessels passing through the strait.
The UK has stressed that any deployment of assets would depend on a “sustained ceasefire” and stable security conditions in the region, while officials continue to assess options for naval and unmanned support operations.
