The United Kingdom will send one of its warships to the Middle East as part of planning for a European-led mission to escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, as soon as a stable ceasefire is in place.
The HMS Dragon, a Type 45 destroyer capable of neutralizing guided missiles, is expected to join Britain’s bid for the defensive naval mission designed to provide security to merchant ships attempting to cross the passage. This mission will only begin after a durable ceasefire or a peace agreement is signed.
“The pre-positioning of the HMS Dragon is part of prudent planning that will ensure that the United Kingdom is ready, as part of a multinational coalition led jointly by the United Kingdom and France, to ensure the safety of the Strait, when conditions permit,” said a spokesman for the British Ministry of Defence.
The measure occurs while Iran is evaluating a new US proposal to end the war, which has already lasted ten weeks. The ship has just completed weapons systems tests off the coast of Crete and was sent to help defend Cyprus at the outset of the conflict.
More than 40 countries participate in planning the UK–France military mission, with a new meeting scheduled for next week. Several of these nations are expected to provide mine-clearing, escort, and air-patrol capabilities.
France recently announced that it has moved the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the Red Sea, in a move signaling that the coalition is ready to ensure the Strait’s safety.
Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz — through which about a fifth of the world’s traded oil and liquefied natural gas passes — after the war erupted, with attacks by the US and Israel at the end of February. Since then, the US has imposed a naval blockade.
Despite the ceasefire between the two sides, there have been clashes this week in the Strait, with American forces conducting airstrikes against two empty Iranian oil tankers. They were attempting to pierce the blockade and enter one of the country’s ports, the US Central Command said on Friday.
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