HMS Duncan arrives in the Gulf to protect British shipping amid stand-off with Iran

Second Royal Navy warship HMS Duncan arrives in the Gulf to protect British shipping amid stand-off with Iran over seized tanker Stena Impero

A second Royal Navy warship has arrived in the Gulf to protect British merchant ships amid a stand-off with Iran. 

HMS Duncan will add military clout to cargo carriers and tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz where the British-flagged Stena Impero was seized by Iranian vessels last week. 

The Type 45 Destroyer will work with the Type 23 Frigate HMS Montrose until late August. 

HMS Duncan (file photo) will add military clout to cargo carriers and tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz

Tension was heaped on diplomatic relations with Iran last Friday when the country’s Revolutionary Guard stormed the British-flagged liner on its way to 

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: ‘Freedom of Navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is vital not just to the UK, but also our international partners and allies. 

‘Merchant ships must be free to travel lawfully and trade safely, anywhere in the world. 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.’ 

Commander Tom Trent, the Commanding Officer of HMS Duncan confirmed that the warship had been redeployed to the Gulf from the Black Sea. 

The Stena Impero, which is Swedish owned, was taken in apparent retaliation after Britain seized Iranian tanker Grace 1 near Gibraltar earlier this month, with Iran claiming the US ordered the UK to get involved

The Stena Impero, which is Swedish owned, was taken in apparent retaliation after Britain seized Iranian tanker Grace 1 near Gibraltar earlier this month, with Iran claiming the US ordered the UK to get involved

 

This is a breaking news story. More to follow… 

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