British forces gathered in Gibraltar to ready a two‑ship operation that would clear the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities with Iran cease. Defence minister Al Carns toured the amphibious landing vessel RFA Lyme Bay, which is being fitted with autonomous mine‑hunting drones, while the destroyer HMS Dragon already patrols the region. The move aims to restore a waterway that carries about 20 % of global oil.

Around 850 merchant ships holding roughly 20,000 crew members have been stranded since the strait shut, pushing energy prices higher worldwide. Britain’s plan calls for RFA Lyme Bay to serve as a mother‑ship for the unmanned surface vehicle that launches the drones, which can scan seabeds to 300 m and neutralise magnetic, acoustic and pressure‑triggered mines. France and Germany have pledged carrier and minesweeper support respectively.

U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have criticised NATO’s response, pressuring allies to demonstrate tangible results. By clearing a 1,000‑yard lane for outbound traffic and a second lane for inbound vessels, Britain hopes to blunt criticism and revive oil flow, which could ease the price surge that has burdened U.S. consumers and global markets. The operation now hinges on diplomatic resolution.