On Thursday, a coalition consisting of 40 nations convened to tackle President Trump’s urgent request to reclaim control over the Strait of Hormuz. They also weighed the possibility of deploying military escorts, contingent upon Iran ceasing its aggressive actions against commercial vessels.
The British government, following the virtual international meeting, highlighted the global commitment to ensuring the freedom of navigation through this vital waterway. “Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz poses a direct threat to global prosperity,” they emphasized, underscoring the importance of maintaining open passage through the strait.
President Trump has been pressing European and Gulf allies to take immediate action to secure the strait, even hinting at withdrawing from NATO if they fail to provide sufficient support. However, key allies have been cautious, advocating for a more measured response that prioritizes de-escalation and diplomacy.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, speaking on Wednesday, reinforced this stance by asserting, “This is not our war. We will not be drawn into the conflict,” and emphasizing that diplomatic efforts should pave the way for safer navigation.
Nonetheless, the UK appeared to pivot slightly on Thursday by announcing plans to convene military strategists from several countries. Their aim is to devise strategies for securing the strait, once hostilities have diminished.
The British government further reiterated the urgency of the situation, stating, “Iran is attempting to hold the global economy hostage in the Strait of Hormuz. They must not succeed.” The coalition called for the immediate reopening of the strait and adherence to the principles of freedom of navigation and international maritime law.
The countries also discussed further sanctions on Iran to “bear down on Iran if the Strait remains closed,” as well as unspecified “joint arrangements to support greater market and operational confidence.”
“Today, we looked at diplomatic, economic, and security measures to restore safe passage, alongside working with the shipping industry,” EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas posted to X. “This waterway is a global public good. Iran cannot be allowed to charge countries a bounty to let ships pass.”
“International law doesn’t recognize pay-to-pass schemes,” she added, referencing Iran’s desire to charge a toll to pass through the strait.
Meanwhile, France has explored forming a coalition of nations to help sail alongside oil and gas tankers once the main fighting comes to a close, holding a teleconference last week with 35 nations to feel out how each may be willing to participate.
But beyond warships and sanctions, some defense experts say there may be a lower-risk way forward.
A newly launched US military tech company with some big-name investors told The Post that cheap, swiftly made drones could be the way forward for more risk-averse allies without putting boots — or boats — in harm’s way.
“It can’t really be done with just manned boats,” Powerus President and Chief Operating Officer Brett Velicovich told The Post. “You need this moving security layer — you can’t have a static defense.”
Velicovich said swarms of low-cost, rapidly deployable unmanned vessels could offer a safer alternative to sailing navy warships through the dangerous waters, arguing they could continuously patrol the strait, detecting threats and safeguarding commercial ships in real time.
“You have hundreds of these boats patrolling and monitoring and sensing, making sure a vessel is safe to transit,” said Velicovich, who started the company after spending years in Ukraine working with drone operations. “That’s far more flexible than big naval ships trying to cover vast distances.”
Unlike traditional warships, which can be limited by range and visibility, unmanned systems can be deployed en masse and adjusted instantly as threats evolve.
“There’s just not enough boats in the US Navy’s arsenal to do it alone,” Velicovich said. “You have to deploy these assets at scale and adjust in real time.”
He emphasized the technology is not meant to replace existing naval forces but to enhance them.
“It’s a force multiplier,” he said. “You integrate unmanned boats with drone capability into the fleet, and suddenly commanders have far more coverage and capability — without waiting years to build new ships.”
Powerus, launched last month in West Palm Beach, Fla., counts Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump among its backers, with former Special Envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg joining its board earlier this week.
