London, March 26 -- The UK's Royal Navy is mulling to take a lead role in potential multinational operations to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, amid escalating tensions in the region.
British defence officials are weighing options that include deploying a naval vessel or even a leased commercial ship as a "mothership" to support autonomous, uncrewed systems designed to detect and neutralise naval mines.
The move would form part of a broader coalition effort involving allies such as the United States and France to ensure the safe passage of commercial shipping.
According to officials cited by The Times, the operation could be conducted in phases. The initial stage wou...