UK to send drones, jets and warship on 'multinational' mission to secure Strait of Hormuz
Britain will send the equipment "as part of a future defensive mission to secure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz"
The UK has confirmed it will send drones, jets and warships in a mission to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
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Defence minister John Healey said on Tuesday: "With our allies, this multinational mission will be defensive, independent and credible.
"Autonomous mine-hunting equipment, Typhoon fighter jets and the warship HMS Dragon will be contributed to the mission as part of £115m of new funding for the operation."
The mission, which the government says will become operational when "conditions allow", is backed by £115m new funding for mine-hunting drones and counter-drone systems.
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HMS Dragon is already being sent to the region to be ready to join the UK and French-led initiative once hostilities cease between Iran and US-Israeli forces.
The announcement came following a virtual summit with more than 40 of his counterparts from other nations involved in the mission.
The Royal Navy warship had undergone additional training and preparation to ensure that its crew were ready to ensure that the air defence ship is ready for potential future operations in the Strait.
The vessel, which is a major route for oil and gas supplies, has effectively been closed as a result of the conflict and stand-off, sending energy prices soaring and hammering the global economy.
Earlier on Tuesday, a A United Nations (UN) official warned that if the Strait is not reopened within a few weeks, tens of millions of people could starve.
Jorge Moreira da Silva, executive director of the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), has urged the world to work together to prevent an impending humanitarian crisis that will arise due to the closure of the key waterway.
The fragile ceasefire between the US and Tehran was described by Trump on Monday as being on "life support" as tensions continue to rise.
Terms have been exchanged between the governments including proposals to end the conflict, but speaking about it at an event at the White House, Trump said: "I would call it the weakest right now, after reading that piece of garbage they sent us, I didn't even finish reading it.
"It's on life support."
In its proposals, Tehran called for compensation for war damage and emphasised its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran also called on the US to end its naval blockade, guarantee no further attacks, lift sanctions and remove a ban on Iranian oil sales.