Britain pushes to restore operations in the Strait of Hormuz
UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband (photo: Getty Images)
London is actively exploring ways to help unblock the Strait of Hormuz, according to UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, as cited by The Guardian.
In an interview with Sky News, Secretary Miliband was asked whether the United Kingdom is considering forwarding minesweepers or drones to search for mines in the strait, through which about one-fifth of the world's oil supplies pass.
"We are talking to our allies. There's different ways in which we can make maritime shipping possible. We are intensively looking with our allies at what can be done, because it's so important that we get the strait reopened," the UK energy chief answered.
He also gave an interview to the BBC, in which he called restoring the strait's operation a priority for the whole world and said that all options to help reopen the strait are being considered.
He added that the British government remains in contact with allies, including the United States, on restoring shipping through the strait to pre-war levels.
The Guardian noted that Ed Miliband's remarks came a day after US President Donald Trump said Britain should send warships to help keep the world's most important oil transit route open.
Strait of Hormuz passage
Previously, CNN reported that Iran is allowing a limited number of oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, but only if trade is conducted in Chinese yuan.
At the same time, the Financial Times reports that European countries, including France and Italy, have begun private talks with Iran to guarantee the safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and restore energy supplies.
Meanwhile, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said the Strait of Hormuz formally remains open for transit, but shipping is being disrupted by Iranian attacks on vessels.
