/ Agencia Reuters
United Kingdom reported that it was deploying its warship HMS Dragon to the Middle East in preparation for a possible multinational effort dedicated to protecting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, once conditions allow.
HMS Dragon, an air defense destroyer, was sent to the eastern Mediterranean in March, shortly after the start of the war with Iran to help defend Cyprus.
Its relocation to the Middle East follows France’s decision to deploy its aircraft carrier strike group to the southern Red Sea, as both countries collaborate on a defensive plan aimed at restoring confidence in the trade route.
“The pre-deployment of HMS Dragon is part of prudent planning that will ensure the United Kingdom is prepared, as part of a multinational coalition jointly led by the United Kingdom and France, to secure the strait when conditions allow,” said a spokesman for the British Ministry of Defence.
While the United States and Iran slowly move closer to a possible exit from their ten-week war, France and Britain have been working on a proposal to lay the groundwork for safe transit through the strait once the situation stabilizes. The plan would require coordination with Iran and a dozen countries have expressed willingness to participate.
Britain’s ability to participate in any protection mission will be limited by the overstretched Royal Navy, which is now much smaller than in the past and which has had to retire some ships before replacements have been available.
