IRAN has threatened British and French warships deployed to clear the Strait of Hormuz will face an “immediate decisive response”.
The rogue nation issued a chilling warning to European ships undertaking mine-clearing efforts in the critical oil chokepoint.
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The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta enforcing the American naval blockade on Iranian-linked ships in the Strait of Hormuz Credit: AFP
HMS Dragon has been deployed to the Middle East Credit: SWNS
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi claimed British and French warships would be “potentially accompanying the illegal and internationally unlawful actions” of the US and would get a firm response.
It comes as the HMS Dragon steams towards the Middle East, where a fragile ceasefire is being pushed to its very limits.
Iran and the US have exchanged blows in the Strait of Hormuz in recent days despite a formal pause in hostilities.
Iran has also lashed out at the UAE, whose defence ministry confirmed the interception of several Iranian missiles and drones.
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The HMS Dragon is one of Britain’s most advanced warships.
Type 45 destroyer will “pre-position” in the region, ready to play a key role in guarding commercial vessels from Iranian airstrikes.
The Portsmouth-based warship has a crew of 200, and has been undergoing weapons testing off the coast of Crete since leaving the UK in March.
Last month, the 500ft warship had to return to port for maintenance after reports that it suffered a fault with its water systems.
A defence source said: “Dragon is a highly capable warship, so naturally she is likely to be part of our UK contribution to restoring confidence for global trade through the strait.
Deputy Iranian Foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi threatened British and French warships Credit: Getty
French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle at the end of the NATO military exercise Neptune Strike 26-2 Credit: AFP
“This move is all about being prepared, should the conditions allow for our coalition to begin its work.
“The UK and France will continue to lead these efforts, turning diplomatic consensus into military options.
“Some people love to talk Britain’s military down, but this exemplifies how our Royal Navy is at the forefront of efforts to restore stability and economic security for British families and businesses back home.”
The deployment is said to be defensive in nature and at least 40 countries are also set to join with their own ships.
Iranian drone strikes have also been reported in Kuwait while another strike sparked a small blaze aboard a commercial ship off the coast of Qatar.
HMS Dragon, a Royal Navy Type 45 Daring-class air-defence destroyer warship Credit: AFP
Iran has threatened to strike US military sites in the Middle East if Donald Trump continues his blockade on the vital waterway.
A fragile month-long ceasefire remains between the US and Iran but peace talks have stalled.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned: “Any attack on Iranian tankers and commercial vessels will result in heavy attack on one of American centres in the region and enemy ships.”
It comes after US warships targeted two Iranian tankers in the Gulf of Oman.
Iran has sent its response to a US proposal for a deal to end the war to Pakistan, according to Iran’s IRNA news agency.
According to Iran’s proposal, the current phase of negotiations will focus on ending hostilities in the region, the country’s state media reported.
