UK sees Ukraine as possible player in Middle East security efforts
UK Minister of State for Armed Forces Alistair Carns (photo: Getty Images)
Ukraine could play an important role in efforts to ensure security in the Strait of Hormuz, given its relevant experience and necessary technologies, says British Minister of State for Armed Forces Alistair Carns.
During a visit to Kyiv, Carns said Ukraine currently possesses some of the world's most advanced technologies developed during the war and has the experience needed to help ensure security.
"Ukraine has some of the best technology in the world that it's developed here in the war. I think that could provide utility in the Middle East, as we're seeing already against Shahed drones, all the way through to the Strait of Hormuz," he said.
Carns added that his visit demonstrates that the war in Ukraine remains a key defense and security priority for the UK. According to him, Britain can learn a great deal from Ukraine, for example, in areas such as drone technology, data usage, and artificial intelligence in weapons systems.
"It's a revolution in military affairs, and we need to move faster," he added.
Hormuz reopening: What we know
On the night of April 8, US President Donald Trump agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, during which the sides are expected to reach a final agreement.
According to media reports, Iran initially reopened the strait but soon closed it again after Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon. Reports also suggest that Iran is unable to reopen the passage because it cannot locate its own mines and lacks the capability to neutralize them.
On April 11, Trump said the United States had begun mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz, and that US Navy ships had already passed through. Iran denied this, stating that no US vessels were observed in the strait.
Amid this, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on April 11 that talks involving dozens of countries on reopening the Strait of Hormuz would be held in the UK next week. Earlier, on April 10, Starmer and Trump spoke by phone to discuss next steps to reopen the waterway.
