A British Navy warship has set sail to join the US-led task force to protect merchant ships in the Gulf in response to the threats posed by Iran.
The Type-23 frigate HMS Kent left Portsmouth Naval Base on Monday to take over duties in the Strait of Hormuz from Type 45 defender HMS Duncan.
The Kent will work alongside HMS Montrose to escort British-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
Britain announced it would join the US-led coalition after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps seized the British-flagged vessel Stena Impero.
The coalition was put together in response to increased tension around the Strait of Hormuz after attacks on oil tankers, which the US has blamed on Iran.
“Our focus in the Gulf remains firmly one of de-escalating the current tension,” the Kent’s Commanding Officer Andy Brown said.
“But we are committed to upholding freedom of navigation and reassuring international shipping.”
US National Security Adviser John Bolton met British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and senior officials in London on Monday, where they discussed Iran, their trade relationship and the prospect of a post-Brexit agreement.
Mr. Bolton, who has a history of hard-line policy towards Iran, was expected to put pressure on British officials to take a tougher stance on Tehran during this week’s trip.
Mr. Bolton and Mr. Johnson discussed the protests in Hong Kong and the UK’s 5G plans, which previously involved Huawei, a company the Trump administration considers a security threat and an arm of the Chinese government.
During his visit, Mr. Bolton highlighted the strong relationship between US President Donald Trump and Mr. Johnson.
“Boris Johnson has been the Prime Minister for what, 18 days? They’ve already had five or six phone calls,” he said.
Mr. Bolton said that former prime minister Theresa May had refused to join the US-led navy coalition in the Gulf, but Mr. Johnson reversed the decision this month.
The UK is the only country to have joined the US coalition so far. Germany and France have baulked.
US maritime authorities have told American commercial ships to notify the British and US naval authorities in advance of their planned movements through Gulf waters.
The White House said on Monday that Mr. Trump spoke with Mr. Johnson to discuss issues including trade and global security.
“The president expressed his appreciation for the UK’s steadfast partnership in addressing global challenges and looks forward to meeting him personally in the near future,” it said.
International Trade Secretary Liz Truss, Secretary for Exiting the EU Steven Barclay, and senior Cabinet member Michael Gove are expected to meet Mr. Bolton on Tuesday.
Source: The National
