London, United Kingdom. Britain said it was deploying its warship HMS Dragon to the Middle East as part of preparations for a potential multinational effort to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz once conditions allow.
Deployment and recent operations
HMS Dragon, an air defence destroyer, was sent to the Eastern Mediterranean in March, shortly after the start of the Iran war, to help defend Cyprus. Britain said its relocation to the Middle East is intended to position the ship for possible future operations.
Coordination with France and proposed plan
The move follows France’s deployment of its carrier strike group to the southern Red Sea, as the two countries work on a defensive plan aimed at restoring confidence in the trade route.
“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,” a spokesperson for Britain’s Ministry of Defence said.
Conditions for a mission and international participation
As the United States and Iran move toward a potential off-ramp 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 stabilises. The plan would need coordination with Iran, and a dozen countries have indicated a willingness to take part.
Constraints on Britain’s role
Britain’s ability to participate in any protective mission will be limited by the stretched Royal Navy, which is smaller than in the past and has retired some ships before replacements have become available.
How do you think a multinational mission could affect confidence in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz?
