Keir Starmer could send thousands of drones in war against 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.

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.

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.

While Trump insisted Iran’s conventional military strength had been crushed, he warned that smaller, unconventional strikes could still wreak havoc along the shipping route - precisely the type of threat British interceptor drones are designed to stop.

He posted: "We have already destroyed 100% of Iran's military capability, but it's easy for them to send a drone or two, drop a mine, or deliver a close-range missile somewhere along, or in, this waterway."

The US leader signalled that Washington would continue intense military pressure until the sea lane is secured. "In the meantime, the United States will be bombing the hell out of the shoreline, and continually shooting Iranian boats and ships out of the water. One way or the other, we will soon get the Hormuz Strait open, safe and free," he added.

Tehran has fiercely rejected the claims, branding suggestions that its armed forces have been crippled as “fabricated lies”.

Back in London, officials confirmed the government is actively examining how Britain might respond to the growing maritime threat.

A spokesperson for the UK Ministry of Defence said: "We are currently discussing with out allies and partners a range of options to ensure the security of shipping in the region."

Adding to the sense of mounting military activity, aviation watchers noted an unusual movement over Britain on flight-tracking services. Data from Flightradar24 showed 12 additional F‑35A Lightning II jets carrying HL tail codes crossing the UK after aerial tankers departed from RAF Mildenhall and headed into the Atlantic to rendezvous with the stealth fighters.

The movements have fuelled speculation that Western forces are quietly positioning additional airpower as the crisis in the Gulf deepens.