Britain’s Special Boat Service is on standby to support if US troops launch a ground attack, with over 2,500 US Marines heading to the Gulf ready to seize Kharg Island if ordered by Donald Trump
Britain’s Special Boat Service (SBS) is on alert to assist if US troops initiate a ground assault, amid concerns that the Iran conflict is intensifying.
Over 2,500 US Marines are en route to the Gulf, prepared to capture Kharg Island off the Iranian coast in the Strait of Hormuz if commanded by President Donald Trump. The Marine Expeditionary Unit heading for the Gulf region comes equipped with tanks, artillery and fighter jets.
A defence source told the Daily Star Sunday that the SBS are “hugely familiar” with the Gulf region and could participate in reconnaissance operations prior to any land invasion. The SBS frogmen specialise in sabotage missions, such as placing mines on ships, and covert underwater operations. The source said: “The SBS have a unique capability when it comes to underwater operations. They can assist in helping the US to plan for any invasion. This could involve offering advice as well as conducting reconnaissance operations alongside their US Navy SEALs.”
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SBS troops frequently utilise swimmer delivery vehicles to propel frogmen into enemy harbours and beaches to aid in planning amphibious assaults.
It comes after Iran’s statement that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to permit US bombers to use RAF bases for offensive operations could endanger British lives.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared “Iran will exercise its right to self-defence.” He said in a post on X: “The vast majority of the British people do not want any part in the Israel-US war of choice on Iran. Ignoring his own people, Mr Starmer is putting British lives in danger by allowing UK bases to be used for aggression against Iran. Iran will exercise its right to self-defence.”
Following the announcement by Downing Street, Iran claimed it launched two ballistic missiles at the top secret joint UK-US Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean. Neither missile struck the base, but the move has sparked concerns that Iran’s ballistic missile capability may be more powerful than previously believed.
Mr Trump said on Friday that the UK “should have acted a lot faster” in granting the US permission to use its bases. The Prime Minister had previously authorised the US only for “defensive” action against Iranian missile sites from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Mr Trump said: “It’s been a very late response from the UK.”
The President has also indicated that the US could reduce attacks against Iran. But warned that security for the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 per cent of global oil passes, would be the responsibility of other countries.
Posting on his Truth Social platform, the President said the Strait of Hormuz “will have to be guarded and policed” by “other nations who use it – “The United States does not!”. He further stated: “If asked, we will help these countries in their Hormuz efforts, but it shouldn’t be necessary once Iran’s threat is eradicated,” he said, adding: “Importantly, it will be an easy military operation for them.”
“We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the terrorist regime of Iran.”
