Arabic version: إرسال إتش إم إس دراجون إلى الشرق الأوسط لمهمة مضيق هرمز

The Royal Navy is sending HMS Dragon, a Type 45 destroyer, to the Middle East where it could join an international mission to safeguard shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic move follows ongoing tensions in the region, particularly as Iran has been controlling this vital waterway in retaliation for US and Israeli military actions. According to BBC News, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) characterized the mission as “strictly defensive and independent.”

Sir Keir Starmer, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, is championing this mission, emphasizing that it will only take place once fighting in the region ends. The Strait of Hormuz is critical, with approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passing through it. A ceasefire has been in place between the US and Iran since April, yet both nations continue to accuse each other of provocations in the strait.

HMS Dragon is one of the Royal Navy’s six Type 45 destroyers, purpose-built for anti-aircraft and anti-missile warfare, and is one of Britain’s most advanced warships. It has recently been in the eastern Mediterranean as part of the UK’s defensive operations there, particularly to defend British air bases in Cyprus after RAF Akrotiri was hit by an Iranian-made drone in March. The MoD stated that this deployment is part of their “prudent planning,” allowing the warship to contribute immediately if needed as part of a “future defensive mission.”

Last month, 51 countries met to discuss how to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Following the discussions, Sir Keir noted that many nations expressed a willingness to contribute assets to the joint operation with France. He has reiterated that the UK will not be drawn into the conflict, specifically rejecting support for a US blockade of Iranian ports. Meanwhile, the MoD reassured that Cyprus remains well defended, having bolstered its significant defensive capabilities in the region since January.