"UK and France Preparing to Reopen Strait of Hormuz...Possible Naval Deployment"

"Deployment of Forces Suggested After Major Hostilities End"

Major British media outlets reported on March 24 (local time) that the United Kingdom and France are leading multinational efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and have also indicated the possibility of deploying naval forces at an appropriate time.

On the 10th (local time), the HMS Dragon, a Type 45 Daring-class air defense destroyer of the British Royal Navy, set sail from the Portsmouth Naval Base located on the southern coast of England. The HMS Dragon departed Portsmouth heading to the Eastern Mediterranean to strengthen the UK's defense posture. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

The Times, citing British defense officials, reported that "the government could send ships to clear mines from the strait once the situation stabilizes, and is considering options such as deploying naval vessels to serve as mother ships for autonomous unmanned mine-clearing systems or chartering commercial ships."

These officials stated that "the mine-clearing operation would be part of a multinational force," adding, "In the second phase of the operation, unmanned vessels or Type 45 destroyers could provide armed protection to tankers alongside allied ships."

The Financial Times (FT) also reported that "the UK and France are drawing up plans for a multinational operation to reopen the strait at the appropriate time," noting that "this is expected to take place after large-scale hostilities between the US-Israel and Iran come to an end."

Additionally, British officials have reportedly said that they are seeking to host an international security conference in the capital, London, or the southern naval city of Portsmouth, to explore ways to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. According to Politico Europe, one official stated, "Several countries will present various options to support us, and we will be able to find the right coalition with the right conditions to give confidence to the commercial shipping industry."

Politico pointed out that "there is considerable skepticism among allies, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte appearing to take the lead in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.