BICOM

The British Government announced yesterday that it would be joining the US-led naval mission to protect merchant ships travelling through the Gulf.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: “It is vital to secure the freedom for all international shipping to navigate the Strait of Hormuz without delay, given the increased threat. This deployment will reinforce security and provide reassurance for shipping. Our aim is to build the broadest international support to uphold freedom of navigation in the region, as protected under international law.” The Foreign Secretary added: “Our approach to Iran hasn’t changed. We remain committed to working with Iran and our international partners to de-escalate the situation and maintain the nuclear deal.”

A spokeswoman for the US Department of Defence said: “We welcome the decision of the UK to participate in the international maritime security construct to enhance maritime domain awareness, promote safe passage, and enhance freedom of navigation in the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Arabian Sea, and Bab el-Mandeb.”

The Royal Navy now has two ships on patrol in the Gulf – HMS Duncan, a Type 45 Destroyer and HMS Montrose, a Type 23 Frigate. The new mission alongside the US will involve the ships working alongside two US ships as well as an aerial surveillance capability.

The announcement follows weeks of increased tension in the Gulf after Iran seized three oil tankers, including the British-flagged Stena Impero.

The UK had been working on plans for a European-led maritime mission, proposed by former Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, but the initiative did not receive substantive support from European allies. Lucy Fisher writes in The Times that the announcement appears to be an attempt by the UK to lay down the gauntlet for others to join the US-led force but France and Germany have indicated they would not be prepared to join a US-led mission.