The United Kingdom announced on Saturday that it will deploy the destroyer HMS Dragon to the Middle East as part of a planned multinational mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions in the Gulf.
The warship is currently stationed in the Mediterranean and will move towards the region “when conditions allow,” according to the British Ministry of Defense.
A ministry spokesperson said the deployment is part of detailed preparations to ensure Britain is ready, alongside France, to lead a multinational coalition aimed at protecting navigation through the strategically vital waterway.
Last month, the UK and France revealed plans for a joint military mission designed to restore commercial shipping operations in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy corridor.
The British Ministry of Defense said sending HMS Dragon would help strengthen confidence within the international shipping sector and support future mine-clearing operations once hostilities end.
Military planners from more than 44 countries reportedly attended a two-day meeting in London in April to discuss operational details for the proposed mission. Reports suggest around 40 nations have agreed to participate in the coalition.
Before the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on 28 February, nearly 20 per cent of the world’s oil shipments passed through the Strait of Hormuz. However, shipping traffic has sharply declined in recent months after Iran effectively closed the route, triggering disruption in global markets and a rise in oil prices.
The US later imposed a blockade on Iranian ports in response to Tehran’s actions.
Iran on Saturday questioned the seriousness of ongoing US diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire after renewed naval clashes in the Gulf.
On Friday, a US fighter jet reportedly opened fire on two Iranian-flagged oil tankers and disabled them after Washington accused the vessels of attempting to break the naval blockade. Iran later launched retaliatory attacks.
Follow the latest news on Google News
