Britain is preparing to deploy its destroyer HMS Dragon to West Asia to support the protection of international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports citing the UK defence ministry.
The move comes as the conflict involving Israel and the United States against Iran, which began in late February, has intensified. Iran has shut the Strait of Hormuz—an essential route for global crude oil shipments—triggering a rise in oil prices and contributing to fuel shortages in several countries.
In response, US President Donald Trump announced a plan to provide security for oil tankers transporting crude to global markets without Iranian interference. Iran condemned the plan and warned that foreign warships operating near its territorial waters would face attack.
Amid the tensions, Iran reportedly attacked a Chinese oil tanker and a small vessel carrying Indian sailors. While those on the Chinese tanker were not harmed, one Indian sailor was killed in the attack on the other vessel.
The UK military said HMS Dragon would be sent ahead of a possible international mission to help safeguard traffic through the strait. It added that the deployment would also signal Britain’s readiness to protect the route as part of a multinational coalition led jointly by the UK and France, conditions permitting.
