Free Republic

HMS Duncan has joined frigate HMS Montrose to escort vessels sailing under the British flag through the Strait of Hormuz. HMS Montrose has so far accompanied 35 vessels through the strait, according to the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said the UK continued to push for a diplomatic resolution to the situation. He said: "Freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is vital not just to the UK, but also our international partners and allies. "Merchant ships must be free to travel lawfully and trade safely, anywhere in the world." Mr Wallace added the Royal Navy...

Five boats thought to be Iranian tried to stop a British oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, according to US officials. The boats withdrew after a warning from a British warship operating in the area. The incident comes as a Royal Navy warship was said to be offering extra protection to a second tanker in the Gulf following a threat from Iran to seize a British vessel. Sky News understands HMS Montrose, a Type 23 frigate, has been travelling with a tanker, British Heritage, according to a ship tracking website and a defence source. Tensions have been rising since...