How Will UK and Italy’s Mine Removal Strategy Impact Global Shipping in the Strait of Hormuz?

Heads of state from France, the UK and Italy attending a Strait of Hormuz meeting[EPA=Provided by Yonhap News][EPA=Provided by Yonhap News]

Politico Europe reported on April 23 that the United Kingdom and Italy have begun preparing to support post‑conflict mine clearance in the Strait of Hormuz. Royal Navy divers are training for potential mine‑clearance operations in the waterway. The Royal Navy is readying specialist divers trained in mine neutralization and disposal to operate alongside unmanned systems. At the U.K. Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood, north of London, military planners have convened to finalize a plan to establish a multinational mission involving roughly 30 countries. As part of that effort, British forces intend to provide autonomous mine‑detection and clearance capabilities. The U.K. and France are co‑leading the Freedom of Navigation initiative in the Strait of Hormuz and are positioning themselves to lead an international effort to reopen the corridor once hostilities end. Both governments stress the mission will be strictly defensive, focused on protecting merchant shipping and conducting mine‑clearance operations. Italy is also detailing plans to support mine clearance. Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto, chief of staff of the Italian Navy, told an Italian broadcaster that Italy plans to dispatch four ships after the conflict to clear mines in the strait: two minehunters, one escort vessel and one logistics‑support ship. #UK #Italy #StraitOfHormuz #Mines Yonhap TV reporting and tips: KakaoTalk/LINE jebo23, Choi Jin‑kyung (highjean@yna.co.kr)