The British government has said it will provide a Royal Navy escort for British-flagged ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz – amid increasing diplomatic tensions in the Gulf.
The government is also advising vessels not to sail through the area, as tensions between the UK and Iran remain fraught.
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “In response to the heightened threat to commercial shipping in the Gulf, the Department for Transport changed its guidance on Friday 19th July to advise ships not to sail through the area.
“Freedom of navigation is crucial for the global trading system and world economy, and we will do all we can to defend it.
“The Department for Transport has therefore updated its advice to confirm that the Royal Navy has been tasked to accompany British-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz, either individually or in groups, should sufficient notice be given of their passage.”
