BREAKING Keir Starmer might ship 1000’s of drones in battle in opposition to Iran after Trump warning
Sir Keir Starmer is weighing up a dramatic plan to send thousands of interceptor drones to West Asia as tensions around the vital Strait of Hormuz threaten to spiral.
British defence chiefs are now examining whether sophisticated technology originally earmarked for the war in Eastern Europe could instead be rushed to protect British interests in the Middle East, reports The Telegraph.
At the centre of the discussions is the cutting-edge “Octopus” interceptor anti-drone system, designed and built in the UK to help Ukraine fend off Russian attacks. Military planners are now exploring whether the system could be redirected to counter Iran’s notorious Shahed drones if the crisis in the Gulf intensifies.
(Image: Getty)
The potential redeployment comes as Donald Trump publicly urged Britain and other allies to send warships to help keep one of the world’s most crucial shipping lanes open.
Posting on his Truth Social account, the US president called on nations affected by disruption in the strait to deploy naval forces alongside American vessels.
“Many countries, especially those affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending warships, in conjunction with the Unites States of America, to keep the strait open and safe,” Trump wrote.
(Image: Anadolu, Anadolu via Getty Images)
The appeal underscores the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz – the narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and serving as one of the planet’s most vital energy arteries.
Roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply – about 20 million barrels every day – passes through the channel, making any disruption a potential shock to global markets.
And tensions have already been rising. Since US-Israeli military operations began two weeks ago, several vessels in the region have reportedly come under attack, triggering logistical chaos and sending fuel prices climbing worldwide.
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