This archive report was first published on 29 July 2019.
Published on July 29, 2019, a British warship has arrived in the Gulf to escort UK-flagged ships amid heightened tensions with Iran.
HMS Duncan was dispatched to help accompany vessels through the Strait of Hormuz after Iran seized a British-flagged tanker there earlier this month, in what London called an act of 'state piracy'.
The destroyer joins frigate HMS Montrose, which is due to undergo maintenance in nearby Bahrain in late August. It will be replaced by another frigate, HMS Kent, later this year.
Britain has asked UK-flagged ships to give it notice when they plan to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, with HMS Montrose already having accompanied 35 merchant vessels during 20 separate transits, according to the Royal Navy.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said, "I'm pleased that HMS Duncan will continue HMS Montrose's fine work in helping to secure this essential route."
"While we continue to push for a diplomatic resolution that will make this possible again without military accompaniment, the Royal Navy will continue to provide a safeguard for UK vessels until this is the reality," he added.
