HMS Dragon deploys to Middle East for Hormuz mission prep

A Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer, HMS Dragon, is deploying to the Middle East from the eastern Mediterranean to position itself for a potential UK- and France-led multinational mission to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities between Iran and US-Israeli forces end.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed the move, stating, "We can confirm that HMS Dragon will deploy to the Middle East to preposition ahead of any future multinational mission to protect international shipping when conditions allow them to transit the Strait of Hormuz." Officials described the deployment as prudent planning to ensure the UK stands ready within a coalition jointly led by Britain and France.

The strait serves as a critical chokepoint for global oil and gas supplies, as well as other goods like fertilizer. Around 40 nations have expressed willingness to participate in escorting vessels through the waterway to uphold freedom of navigation. The mission has been championed by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron.

HMS Dragon had spent recent weeks in the eastern Mediterranean defending British bases on Cyprus, including the RAF's Akrotiri air base,...