Britain has deployed the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dragon toward West Asia as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue to escalate. The move comes as the UK and France discuss a possible multinational naval mission aimed at protecting global shipping routes through one of the world’s most critical trade corridors. France has already dispatched the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the region, while Iran has warned London and Paris that sending “extra-regional destroyers” could further escalate the crisis.  

Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have escalated sharply after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) released new footage showcasing a high-intensity naval operation involving the seizure of two vessels reportedly linked to India-bound maritime routes. The visuals depict fast-moving Iranian speedboats intercepting commercial ships, with masked commandos boarding under heavy coordination. The footage highlights operations involving the vessels identified as Epaminondas and MSC Francesca, with scenes showing armed personnel securing control mid-sea and conducting onboard inspections, including sensitive areas such as engine rooms and the bridge. WATCH