UK dispatches warship to Middle East waters for Hormuz mission
HMS Dragon, Type-45 warship that can intercept guided missiles (photo: wikipedia.org)
The UK will deploy one of its warships to the Middle East as part of planning for a European mission to escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz once a stable ceasefire is established, reports Bloomberg.
The proposed UK contribution to the defensive naval mission will likely include the Type 45 warship HMS Dragon, capable of destroying guided missiles.
The mission is intended to protect commercial vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. However, implementation will begin only after either a lasting ceasefire or a peace agreement is reached.
"The pre-positioning of HMS Dragon is part of prudent planning that will ensure that the UK is ready, as part of a multinational coalition jointly led by the UK and France, to secure the Strait, when conditions allow," a spokesperson for the British Ministry of Defense said.
The move comes as Iran considers a new US proposal aimed at ending the war, which has now lasted 10 weeks.
As for the British warship, it recently completed weapons system testing off the coast of Crete and was deployed to help defend Cyprus at the start of the conflict.
Notably, more than 40 countries are involved in planning the joint British-French military mission. Another meeting is scheduled for next week. Several countries are expected to provide mine-clearing, escort, and air-patrol support.
Hormuz Strait
Several weeks ago, reports emerged that France and the UK were prepared to deploy a military mission to the Strait of Hormuz to "protect freedom of navigation."
US President Donald Trump reacted to the plan by telling NATO allies to "stay away."
Media also reported that, according to British Minister of State for Armed Forces Alistair Carns, Ukraine could play an important role in efforts to secure the strait, since he says Kyiv has the necessary experience and technologies.
