Britain is preparing a new military mission to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the war with Iran ends, deploying a destroyer and an amphibious vessel equipped with autonomous mine-hunting systems. The effort comes as halted traffic through the vital waterway has stranded about 850 ships and disrupted global energy supplies, driving up prices worldwide.

British officials showcased the operation in Gibraltar, highlighting advanced sea drones capable of scanning the seabed and neutralizing mines while keeping sailors out of danger. The amphibious ship will act as a 'mother ship' for these unmanned systems, initially carving out a 1,000-yard-wide shipping lane before expanding access.

France and Britain are leading a broader multinational mission, with Germany and other nations contributing forces. The move also appears aimed at easing tensions with the United States, where President Trump and senior officials have criticized allies, including members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, for not doing enough in the conflict.