Royal Navy vessel HMS Duncan has arrived in the Gulf, where the Type 45 destroyer will support the safe passage of British-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz, along with HMS Montrose.

As the government continues to work to de-escalate the situation with Iran following the seizure of the Stena Impero, the new secretary of state for transport, Grant Shapps said the security of British-flagged ships is the priority. HMS Montrose has so far accompanied 35 merchant vessels during 20 separate transits.

Defence secretary Ben Wallace added that freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is crucial not just to the UK, but also to international partners.

“Merchant ships must be free to travel lawfully and trade safely, anywhere in the world. 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,” he said.

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