Britain's navy prepares to clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz while waiting for a peace deal

Britain's navy is preparing for a potential multinational mine-clearing operation in the Strait of Hormuz, tied to progress on a peace deal. The RFA Lyme Bay, docked at Gibraltar, is being loaded with ammunition and mine-hunting drones as hundreds of sailors await a deployment. If activated, the mission would be led by the U.K. and France, with support from dozens of allied nations, to secure the critical waterway after Tehran closed it following the conflict's start. The vessel would join HMS Dragon and other ships, transit the Suez Canal, and operate in the Persian Gulf. Trump has criticized allies for not doing more, testing international cooperation.

Since the conflict escalated, more than 6,000 ships have been blocked from passing through the Strait. Iran could have a wide array of mines — rocket-propelled, cable-laid, or seabed-triggered — complicating clearance. AP footage showed autonomous seabed drones mapping the seafloor with sonar to identify risks before crews enter the area. Experts say mine clearance will require a coordinated international effort and could influence energy prices until a broader peace deal is reached.