UK promises jets, drones and warship for Strait of Hormuz defence mission
The UK Ministry of Defence said it would contribute fighter jets, drones and a warship to a Strait of Hormuz defence mission involving more than 40 nations. The mission will begin when conditions allow, it said.
The UK Ministry of Defence has announced it will make a significant military contribution to a multinational defence mission being set up in the Strait of Hormuz. The ministry said the assets to be deployed will include Typhoon fighter jets, high-capability intelligence drones and a Type 26 frigate.
The mission will be coordinated with a US-led coalition. More than 40 countries have pledged military or logistical support. The aim of the operation is to secure commercial transit through the strait, through which roughly one-fifth of the world's oil supply passes. The Defence Secretary said the operation would begin when conditions allow and was not intended to provoke direct conflict with Iran.
Iran described the coalition's presence as a provocation. Tehran reiterated that its rights over the Strait of Hormuz were established and that the matter was closed. Brent crude prices rose modestly after the announcement. Risk premiums on commercial shipping insurance in Singapore and Tokyo have doubled in recent weeks; insurers are now requesting additional safeguards.
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