Royal Navy to Lead International Coalition to Reopen Strait of Hormuz
The British Royal Navy will take the lead in a multinational effort known as the Hormuz Coalition aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which has been blocked by Iran since March 19, 2026.
According to a report in The Times, Britain will deploy specialized mine-clearing vessels to support the operation alongside forces from the United States and France.
The Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, with roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil passing through its waters under normal conditions. Iran’s closure of the waterway, part of ongoing tensions with the United States and its allies, has disrupted tanker traffic and contributed to sharp rises in energy prices worldwide.
This development follows an aerial campaign by the United States against Iranian targets and comes after initial reluctance from some European partners. Seven U.S. allies, including the United Kingdom, issued a joint statement endorsing efforts to secure safe passage for merchant ships. The coalition reflects a coordinated push to restore freedom of navigation in one of the most strategically vital maritime routes.
Military planners from the involved nations are now working on practical steps, including escort missions and clearance of potential hazards such as mines. The operation underscores the shared international interest in preventing further economic fallout from the crisis in the Persian Gulf.
