The British Prime Minister last Sunday night refused Donald Trump’s request to “send warships” to the Middle East to protect oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
The two leaders spoke by phone and, despite agreeing “on the importance of reopening the Strait to end the disruption to global shipping, which is raising global costs”, as the Downing Street statement put it, they do not, at least for now, have a common approach on ways to restore order in the region. As British analysts note, when Iran warns of retaliation against the UK, it is understandable why there are no plans, at least at this stage, to send British warships to escort the tankers. Instead, the British government is preparing to provide mine detection and missile interceptor drones (drones) as part of an international effort to free up shipping en route.
The Lyme Bay is heading for Cyprus
Meanwhile the Royal Navy auxiliary Lyme Bay has sailed from Gibraltar bound for Cyprus. It is the second ship the UK is sending to the region after the destroyer Dragon, which is expected to arrive in the coming days. Lyme Bay could lead a civilian evacuation operation, British reports note. At the same time, they clarify that the move came as Israeli tanks were advancing deeper into Lebanon’s interior and thousands of British civilians are trapped in the area.
British Prime Minister’s press conference
At 12:30 (GMT) the British Prime Minister will hold a press conference to discuss the government’s plans to support people affected by price rises caused by the war in Iran. Kir Starmers is expected to pledge £50 million to support households using heating oil, which is not covered by the energy price cap and whose prices have risen during the conflict, British reports note.
