Britain's navy will accompany UK-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz to provide protection after the killing of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani by US forces.
The British oil tanker Stena Impero, held by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz since July for alleged maritime violations, has been cleared to leave, according to local press reports published Sunday. The vessel is due to depart soon.
Great Britain’s Ministry of Defense announced that British Royal Navy will protect UK-flagged ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions soar in the Persian Gulf over tanker detentions.
The Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has condemned recent attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and Sea of Oman at its meeting in London held from 15-19 July.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Friday they had seized a British-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz for breaking international maritime rules as tensions mount in the highly sensitive waterway.
The Royal Navy has announced the HMS Duncan, a Type 45 destroyer, will join HMS Montrose which is due to go in for pre-planned maintenance while still deployed.
Britain on Thursday signalled its readiness to use military force if necessary to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, warning Iran not to miscalculate over the West's determination to prevent disruption to the key shipping route.