UK, France to lead 15-nation mission to clear Strait of Hormuz

Plans have been reportedly finalized for a coalition-based mine-clearing mission in the Strait of Hormuz, with the campaign set to be led jointly by the United Kingdom and France and involving 15 nations, Bloomberg reports.

Military planners across the coalition are said to be at an advanced stage of preparation; however, not all participants will be immediately ready. Some countries are still sourcing support vessels and are expected to join in phases after the mission begins, although no specific timelines have been provided.

Britain has already moved RFA Lyme Bay from Gibraltar toward the strait, equipped with autonomous mine-hunting systems. The UK’s broader package reportedly includes anti-drone systems, Typhoon fighter jets, and the destroyer HMS Dragon.

Deployment of the coalition mission is contingent on a deal restoring full commercial navigation rights and establishing a permissible environment for military operations.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that talks with Washington have stalled, suggesting the coalition is unlikely to deploy in the immediate term.

Around 1,500 cargo vessels remain stranded under a fragile ceasefire, with the strait closed for four months since the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran in February.

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the mission has been discussed with the United States and 50 other countries.

“The most important thing is to get that international agreement in place so that international shipping can return to normal,” she said. “But in order to get there, we need to show we’ve got the maritime support.”

Washington has been less supportive of the plan. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described it as a “catch-22” during remarks before Congress.

“They’ve put together this initiative, which they say they will send minesweepers and escort ships, but they will do so once hostilities are ended,” Rubio said.

Rubio also noted that the United States does not currently have purpose-built mine countermeasures ships in the region. The US Navy is meanwhile retiring its four remaining Avenger-class minesweepers.

By Vafa Guliyeva