The U.K. has deployed the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dragon to the Middle East for a possible international effort to safeguard commercial ships via the Strait of Hormuz.
British defence sources said the deployment was part of contingency plans being co-ordinated with France and other allies amid rising tensions in the Gulf region and fears over interruptions to global trade routes.
The UK Ministry of Defence said HMS Dragon will be “pre-positioned” in the region before any future coalition-led action to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels in the key canal.
• The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important oil transit routes in the world, with a large volume of the world’s crude oil and gas exports. Tensions in the region have been rising, with several recent encounters involving Iranian-linked vessels, sparking concerns over possible disruptions to international shipping.
European nations are also looking at larger maritime security measures and reports that France had repositioned naval forces, notably the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, closer to the region.
HMS Dragon had previously served in the eastern Mediterranean, carrying out regional security operations and protecting British interests as military action around Iran increased.
British authorities highlighted that the planned expedition would be defensive and aimed at restoring confidence in international commerce if regional conditions allowed.
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