The United Kingdom is considering deploying thousands of interceptor drones to the Middle East to counter Iranian Shahed unmanned aerial vehicles, according to The Telegraph. Officials are reviewing whether the 'Octopus' anti drone systems currently being produced for Ukraine could also strengthen British defenses in the region.

The discussions come amid pressure from United States President Donald Trump, who has criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s response to the conflict involving Iran. Trump has urged Britain to contribute naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz as part of an international effort to pressure Iran to reopen a vital oil shipping route. London is weighing the deployment of a naval vessel but has not yet made a final decision.

Recent drone attacks have underscored the vulnerability of British forces, including strikes on Royal Air Force Akrotiri in Cyprus and on British special forces in Erbil, Iraq. Six American soldiers were also killed in Kuwait after an Iranian drone penetrated air defenses. Following the Cyprus attack, Starmer ordered a warship to the eastern Mediterranean, while France also sent reinforcements.

A defense source said Britain is evaluating additional measures to counter what was described as an 'axis of aggression' between Russia and Iran. Meanwhile, figures close to Trump have questioned Britain’s reliability as a military partner, citing what they view as limited resources and commitment during the conflict.