UK’s HMS Dragon docks due to technical issue after being sent to protect Britain’s air bases in Cyprus
HMS Dragon, which was sent to protect Britain’s air bases in Cyprus during the Iran war, docked in the Mediterranean after experiencing technical problems.
The Ministry of Defense said that the Royal Navy’s Type-45 destroyer could depart in a short time “if necessary”.
“HMS Dragon carries out a routine logistics stop and a short maintenance period in the Eastern Mediterranean, allowing the ship to resupply, optimize systems and carry out maintenance,” a Ministry of Justice spokesman said.
“HMS Dragon will remain at a very high level of readiness during this period and will be able to go to sea at short notice if necessary.
“The United Kingdom continues to maintain a strong and layered defense presence in the Eastern Mediterranean, working in coordination with its allies.
“This includes Typhoon and F-35 jets, Wildcat and Merlin helicopters, and advanced counter-drone and air defense systems.”
Britain on Tuesday urged Donald Trump to back down on his threat to destroy “an entire civilisation” as Iran’s deadline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz approaches.
The US president gave Tehran until 1am on Wednesday to tell Britain to end its blockade of the strait or face destruction.
Downing Street once again said the UK’s focus was on “de-escalation” and a “negotiated solution” for the region, but Mr Trump stepped up his rhetoric and the US-Israeli bombing campaign continued.
He wrote on the Truth Social platform: “Tonight an entire civilization will die and never be brought back.
“I don’t want this to happen, but it probably will.”
But Mr Trump, who had previously extended his deadline to act, said “complete and total regime change” in Iran had resulted in a situation “dominated by different, smarter and less radicalized minds”.
He said: “Maybe it could be something revolutionary and wonderful, WHO KNOWS? Tonight we will learn about one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the world.”
Mr. Trump said the United States would destroy Iran’s bridges and power plants and said he was “not at all concerned” that attacks on civilian infrastructure could constitute a war crime.
Asked whether the UK believed such attacks would breach international law, the prime minister’s official spokesman said: “I will not comment on that. [giving] “An up-to-date commentary on our allies’ operations.”
The United Kingdom has allowed the United States to use British military bases to conduct limited defensive operations, targeting only missile sites and facilities used to target ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital Iranian oil and gas route.
Asked whether RAF bases could be used by the US to target Iran’s civilian infrastructure, the spokesman said: “Our position has not changed.”
The spokesman said Sir Keir Starmer had been clear “this is not our war” and that “our position is very much focused on de-escalation”.
