HMS Duncan has arrived in the Strait of Hormuz ready to escort British-flagged vessels in the contested area MURAD SEZER/REUTERSA second Royal Navy warship has arrived in the Gulf to protect British merchant vessels at a time of increased tension with Iran. HMS Duncan, a Type 45 destroyer, has joined HMS Montrose to ensure the safe passage of British-flagged cargo carriers and tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, where the Stena Impero was seized by the Revolutionary Guard on July 19. The Ministry of Defence said the Montrose had escorted 35 ships. Ben Wallace, defence secretary, said: “Freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is vital not just to the UK but also our international partners. Merchant ships must be free to travel lawfully and trade safely, anywhere in the world.

Source: The Times July 28, 2019 23:03 UTC