Britain sends more warships to the Gulf
On August 12, the UK mobilized the warship HMS Kent to the Persian Gulf to participate in the US-led Maritime Security Operation in the region.
In this operation, the Royal Navy will cooperate with the US Navy to ensure the safety of cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz, amid rising tensions with Iran.
“Our primary objective in the Gulf is absolutely focused on reducing current tensions. But we are also committed to upholding freedom of navigation and ensuring the safety of international shipping, which is what this operation is all about,” said Commander Andy Brown, commanding officer of HMS Kent.
The Kent will join two other British warships already in the area, the destroyer HMS Duncan and the frigate HMS Montrose.
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| Royal Navy frigate HMS Kent. |
On August 5, Britain agreed to join the US oil tanker escort mission. However, British officials stressed that there would be no change in London's policy on Iran, and affirmed that Britain would not join the US in imposing sanctions on Tehran.
“Ensuring the freedom of all international shipping to transit the Strait of Hormuz without delay is vital, particularly in the face of heightened threats. The mobilisation of Royal Navy assets is a demonstration of our commitment to British-flagged ships. We look forward to working with the United States and others to find an international solution to the current issues in the Strait of Hormuz,” said UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace.
“Our approach to Iran has not changed,” the British Foreign Secretary said. “We remain committed to working with Iran and other international partners to de-escalate tensions and uphold the nuclear deal.”
The US Department of Defense said it welcomed the UK's decision. Earlier, amid rising tensions between the US and Iran and a series of incidents in the Gulf, Washington suggested forming an international coalition to ensure maritime security in the region.
The US has invited many European countries such as the UK, France, Germany and other countries such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, etc. to participate in the campaign. However, France and Germany have refused to participate, while Australia has not given an official response to this proposal.
