The HMS Dragon travels in the Mediterranean Sea en route to Cyprus on March 25, 2026. (United Kingdom Ministry of Defence)
The United Kingdom will send a warship to the Middle East to be part of a potential mission to secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz once the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran is formally ended.
“The prepositioning of HMS Dragon is part of prudent planning that will ensure that the U.K. is ready, as part of a multinational coalition jointly led by the U.K. and France, to secure the strait, when conditions allow,” the Ministry of Defense said in a statement Saturday.
France said Wednesday that it would move an aircraft carrier strike group, led by nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, into the Red Sea.
HMS Dragon, currently in the eastern Mediterranean, was deployed to the region on March 10 along with “drone-busting” Wildcat helicopters after an Iranian-made drone struck RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said Monday that allies are preparing for a possible role in assisting the U.S.
“I see more and more European countries preposition essential logistical and other support, for example minehunters … for the next phase,” Rutte said at the start of a meeting of the European Political Community in Armenia. He did not give further details.
Meanwhile, U.S. officials are waiting for Iran to respond to the most recent proposal to end the war, which began Feb. 28.
The monthlong ceasefire is still in effect, U.S. officials say, despite recent exchanges of fire between U.S. forces and Iran.
U.S. Central Command said Saturday that the naval blockade against Iran continues.
“As of today, CENTCOM forces have redirected 58 commercial vessels and disabled 4 since April 13 to prevent the ships from entering or leaving Iranian ports,” CENTCOM said.