The UK is deploying one of its most powerful warships to the Gulf in response to increased threats to shipping from Iran and Iranian-backed factions following Israel’s conflict with Hamas.
HMS Diamond, a Type 45 destroyer equipped with anti-missile capabilities, is being sent after recent events including Houthi rebels seizing an Israeli-linked cargo ship in the Red Sea and a US military intervention to rescue another vessel.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps stated the reinforcement of the Royal Navy’s Gulf maritime security operation aims to mitigate the risk of the Israel-Hamas crisis escalating into a wider regional conflict.
“This action is in direct response to the ongoing situation in the region,” Shapps informed reporters.
The deployment of the destroyer marks a significant overt military action by Britain since the outbreak of conflict triggered by a Hamas attack on Israel in early October.
Additionally, it follows the dispatch of two support ships and surveillance aircraft to the area.
However, the primary efforts to ease tensions and discourage Iran have predominantly been led by the US, which has sent two large aircraft carrier strike groups to the region and notably disclosed the presence of a submarine.