UK military planners join US effort to reopen Strait of Hormuz

British military planners have been deployed to assist US-led efforts to address the disruption of a critical global shipping route, as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate.

According to The Times, UK planning teams have been sent to the US Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida. Their task is to help develop strategies to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, where maritime traffic has been disrupted and where mines are feared to be present.

The disruption has had an immediate impact on global energy markets, with oil prices rising to around $110 per barrel amid concerns they could climb as high as $200 if the situation worsens.

The UK team, which reportedly includes First Sea Lord Gwyn Jenkins, has already presented options to British ministers on how to help restore safe passage for oil tankers through the chokepoint.

Despite the planning efforts, the UK is not expected to deploy Royal Navy vessels to escort ships while active hostilities involving Iran continue.

The situation follows a series of escalating attacks on energy infrastructure. Iranian forces targeted a major liquefied natural gas facility, including a strike on Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar. By Thursday morning, fires at the facility had reportedly been brought under control.

These developments came after Israel struck Iran’s South Pars gas field, the largest natural gas field in the world. In response, Iran warned that energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar could become “direct and legitimate targets.”

US President Donald Trump said Israel had “violently lashed out” in striking South Pars and stated that no further Israeli attacks would take place, adding that a reported strike on a refinery had occurred without his prior knowledge. He also warned that the United States could respond forcefully if further escalation occurs.

The report of British involvement comes amid tensions between Washington and London, after Trump expressed disappointment that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer had not supported US military actions more directly.

UK Defence Minister Luke Pollard emphasised the global importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, stating it is “absolutely vital for global trade, for our energy security, for the UK and for our partners in the region.”

He added: “The UK is convening our allies, both the United States, our European friends and partners in the region for those serious discussions about how the strait could be reopened. This is difficult and complicated work.”

“There won’t be a quick or easy solution, but the UK is uniquely placed to be able to bring together those allies to look at what the solution is,” Pollard said, noting that efforts would involve not only military options but also a broader package of measures, including insurance mechanisms to support shipping.

By Tamilla Hasanova