Britain has deployed warship HMS Dragon to the Middle East as part of preparations for a potential multinational mission to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The air defence destroyer was initially sent to the Eastern Mediterranean in March following the outbreak of the Iran war to help defend Cyprus, but has now been repositioned amid growing efforts by Britain and France to secure the vital trade route.
France has already deployed its carrier strike group to the southern Red Sea as both countries work on a joint plan to restore confidence in maritime transit once conditions stabilise. Britain’s Ministry of Defence said the move was part of “prudent planning” to ensure the UK is ready to support a UK-France-led coalition to secure the Strait when conditions allow.
The proposed operation would require coordination with Iran, while around a dozen countries have reportedly expressed willingness to participate.