The Royal Navy has deployed warship HMS Dragon to the Middle East ahead of a possible multinational mission in the Strait of Hormuz
The Royal Navy has deployed warship HMS Dragon to the Middle East ahead of a possible multinational mission in the Strait of Hormuz amid continued tensions involving Iran and the United States. The Type 45 destroyer is expected to pre position in the region and could be used to help protect commercial shipping routes if a coalition mission moves forward. The deployment comes during a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran as negotiations between both sides continue. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically important waterways, with roughly 20 percent of global oil supplies transported through the route. US forces have recently increased operations in the area, including reported action against two Iran linked vessels attempting to dock at Iranian ports on Friday, May 9. HMS Dragon, which is based in Portsmouth and carries a crew of about 200 personnel, has been conducting weapons testing exercises near Crete since departing the UK in March. The warshi...