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The United Kingdom will deploy a naval destroyer to the Middle East as part of preparations for a possible multinational operation to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the British defence ministry said on Saturday.
According to the ministry, the deployment of HMS Dragon forms part of contingency planning designed to position the UK for participation in a joint security mission being coordinated with France.
“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 ministry spokesperson told AFP.
British officials said the operation, once activated, would focus on safeguarding commercial navigation and supporting efforts to clear mines in the strategic waterway after hostilities ease.
The proposed mission follows discussions held in London in April, where military representatives from more than 40 countries examined plans for an international coalition to secure maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
The UK and France had earlier indicated that plans for the multinational operation were progressing, with both countries expressing confidence that the initiative could help restore global trade flows through the route.
Before the outbreak of the recent conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments passed through the Strait of Hormuz.
However, traffic through the passage has declined sharply in recent months following disruptions linked to the conflict and escalating tensions in the Gulf region.
Iran has largely restricted movement through the strait, contributing to volatility in global energy markets and a sharp rise in oil prices, while the United States later responded with measures targeting Iranian ports.
Fresh tensions were reported on Saturday after Iranian officials questioned Washington’s commitment to diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire.
