The UK Government announced that the Royal Navy will escort British-flagged vessels when sailing though the Strait of Hormuz in support of free navigation, after noting that they didn’t have the resources to do so in the past.
In light of the increasing tensions in the Strait, the UK has already advised British-flagged vessels to not to pass through the Strait of Hormuz and to notify the navy if they plan to do so.
The tensions peaked between UK and Iran when the Iran seized a British-flagged tanker in the area. Allegedly, this was an act of retaliation because a week prior to this event, the UK seized an Iranian vessel in Gibraltar.
A British government spokesman, Bob Sanguinetti commented
The Royal Navy has been tasked to accompany British-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz, either individually or in groups, should sufficient notice be given of their passage. Freedom of navigation is crucial for the global trading system and world economy, and we will do all we can to defend it.
He also referred to UK’s plan to launch a European-led maritime protection mission to ensure safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz after Iran’s seizure of the tanker in what London said was an act of “state piracy”.
