UK deploys warship to Middle East amid Hormuz tensions

The United Kingdom is deploying a Royal Navy warship to the Middle East as part of preparations for a potential multinational mission to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, the Ministry of Defence said on Saturday, May 9.

HMS Dragon, a Type 45 destroyer previously stationed in the eastern Mediterranean near Cyprus, will be “pre-positioned” in the region and remain ready to participate in a UK- and France-led maritime initiative once conditions allow, according to UK media reports citing a ministry spokesperson.

The proposed mission, supported by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, is aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation through the strategically vital waterway.

"We can confirm that HMS Dragon will deploy to the Middle East to pre-position ahead of any future multinational mission to protect international shipping when conditions allow them to transit the Strait of Hormuz," the spokesperson said.

"The pre-positioning of HMS Dragon is part of prudent planning that will ensure that the UK is ready, as part of a multinational coalition jointly led by the UK and France, to secure the strait, when conditions allow."

Tensions in the region have escalated since February 28, when the United States and Israel carried out strikes against Iran, prompting retaliation from Tehran targeting Israel and US allies in the Gulf. The escalation also led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

A ceasefire came into effect on April 8 following mediation by Pakistan, but talks held in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement. The truce was later extended by U.S. President Donald Trump without a fixed deadline, allowing diplomatic efforts to continue.

Since April 13, the United States has enforced a naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime traffic in the strait. On Tuesday, Trump announced that the US military would temporarily pause “Project Freedom” to restore freedom of navigation for commercial shipping, while stating that the American blockade would remain "in full force and effect."

By Tamilla Hasanova