Britain’s Special Boat Service (SBS) is on standby to support potential US ground operations as tensions escalate in the Iran conflict. More than 2,500 US Marines are en route to the Gulf, ready to seize Kharg Island in the Strait of Hormuz if ordered by President Donald Trump. Equipped with tanks, artillery, and fighter jets, the Marine Expeditionary Unit is heading to the region.
According to a defense source cited by the Daily Star Sunday, the SBS, with extensive experience in the Gulf region, could engage in reconnaissance missions before any potential invasion. Specializing in sabotage activities like mine placements on ships and covert underwater operations, the SBS could offer guidance and conduct reconnaissance alongside US Navy SEALs. The SBS often uses swimmer delivery vehicles to deploy frogmen for planning amphibious assaults.
Following Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to allow US bombers to use RAF bases for offensive purposes, Iran expressed concerns about British lives being jeopardized. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized Iran’s right to self-defense, criticizing the UK’s involvement in potential aggression against Iran.
In response to Downing Street’s announcement, Iran reportedly launched two ballistic missiles towards the joint UK-US Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean, although no hits were reported. President Trump criticized the UK for delayed permission to use its bases, highlighting the need for a quicker response.
Expressing intentions to potentially reduce attacks on Iran, Trump emphasized the need for other nations to secure the vital shipping route of the Strait of Hormuz. He stated that the responsibility for guarding and policing the strait should fall on nations utilizing it, suggesting that once the threat from Iran is eliminated, the security operation would be straightforward.
Trump also suggested nearing the objectives of winding down military efforts in the Middle East against Iran’s regime. The focus would shift towards supporting other nations in securing the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the need for their involvement in the region’s stability.
