UK navy prepares to clear mines in Hormuz after Trump’s warning

Hundreds of British sailors are aboard the RFA Lyme Bay docked off Gibraltar, waiting for a mine-clearing mission to the Strait of Hormuz that depends on a peace deal with Iran. US President Donald Trump has criticised allies for not doing more to support the war effort in Iran, whose control of the strait has disrupted shipping and raised energy prices. In March, Trump told NATO allies to 'go get your own oil' and secure the strait themselves.

The UK's Armed Forces Minister Al Carns took reporters to visit the RFA Lyme Bay as it prepares for a possible international operation, led by the UK and France, to secure the strait. The amphibious vessel is being loaded with ammunition and mine-hunting sea drones. Trump said Saturday that a deal with Iran has been 'largely negotiated' after calls with Israel and other allies, but it still needs finalising.

The RFA Lyme Bay will soon depart Gibraltar to link up with the destroyer HMS Dragon and allied ships for air support before sailing through the Suez Canal to the Persian Gulf.