France and Britain Plan Coalition to Protect Strait of Hormuz

Britain has announced the deployment of the destroyer HMS Dragon to the Middle East in preparation for a possible international operation to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. London said the move is part of a joint British-French plan to restore security to one of the world's most important trade routes following the escalation of tensions with Iran.

HMS Dragon was originally deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean after the outbreak of hostilities with Iran, where it assisted in the defense of Cyprus. France has since moved its carrier strike group to the southern Red Sea.

According to the British Ministry of Defense, a possible multinational coalition led by London and Paris is being prepared, with a number of countries reportedly interested in joining. The plan will also require coordination with Iran.

British media have noted that London's options are constrained by a weakened navy that has faced both fleet reductions and staffing shortages in recent years.

(reuters, mja)