JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
Britain is considering possible options to help defend shipping in the Strait of Hormuz from attacks by Iran, the Defense Secretary said.
John Healey also signaled that British troops should be ready to coordinate with allies to evacuate British citizens from the Middle East if the US and Israel went to war with Iran worsened.
He said he had spoken to his counterparts in the E5 group of European powers, which includes Germany, France, Italy and Poland, on Wednesday to discuss the crisis.
Regarding threats to oil tankers in the Gulf, a senior cabinet minister said the best way to unblock the vital waterway was to end the war between the US, Israel and Iran.
Iran’s latest war: follow live
However, as the conflict rages on and tankers burn, he said he had asked his military planners to consider what Britain could offer along with other countries to protect commercial tankers that have to pass through the Strait from attacks by Iranian drones, mines and missiles.
This could include autonomous ships that can counter mines.
In addition, the British military has personnel based in Bahrain with expertise in leading maritime security operations.
England has sent it HMS DragonType 45 destroyers, with significant air defense capabilities, to enhance its defense in the region. This ship could also potentially be an option if measures are taken to protect shipping.
Read more:
The US Navy will escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz
What we know about Iran’s deadly school strikes
“Recognizing the potentially huge impact this could have on oil prices and the cost of living, there is an international imperative to try to resolve this issue,” Healey said, referring to the disruption to the flow of tankers carrying oil and gas through the Strait.
“I have – deployed in this region – several autonomous mine hunting systems,” the Defense Secretary told reporters, speaking after meeting commanders at the permanent joint headquarters, PJHQ, in Northwood, northwest London, which is the headquarters that oversees British military operations around the world.
“I’ve spoken with planners today about additional options we can pursue with allies if they become necessary.”
John Healey (left) meets Cypriot Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas. Photo: Reuters
However, Healey emphasized that this work is still “preliminary”.
“You shouldn’t read that we already have some tough options in place. But… I’m discussing additional options with our planners.”
Mr Healey said he had spoken to E5 defense ministers about greater coordination in the Eastern Mediterranean.
He hinted that this could also mean future evacuation efforts.
“If this conflict worsens, we must be ready if evacuation is necessary,” he told commanders.
The UK has placed RFA Lyme Bay, a very large support ship, in increased readiness for deployment, in a sign that this type of asset is being prepared.
However, options to help maintain shipping through Strait of Hormuz or evacuation becomes more limited than before after reducing defenses.
A decade ago, the British Royal Navy had at least one large warship operating in Bahrain and up to four minehunting vessels – each large manned ship – as well as very large support ships.
Currently, there are no warships based in Bahrain, with the last manned minehunter, HMS Middleton, being sent back to the UK for maintenance.
This means that the UK can only contribute to efforts to protect shipping in the Gulf alongside its allies such as the US and France.
