The Royal Navy has confirmed it is monitoring the Strait of Hormuz after dozens of commercial vessels transited the waterway following a diplomatic breakthrough between the United States and Iran. The passage, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, represents the largest single movement of shipping through the strait since the imposition of sanctions on Tehran last year. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson stated that HMS Montrose, a Type 23 frigate, remains on station to ensure freedom of navigation, a principle the UK has repeatedly emphasised as vital to global energy security.
The development comes after Washington and Tehran reached a provisional agreement to de-escalate tensions in the region, though details remain sparse. Analysts suggest the deal may involve a limited easing of sanctions in exchange for Iranian commitments to curb its nuclear programme. For London, the priority is to prevent any disruption to oil shipments, given that approximately 20 per cent of the world's petroleum passes through the strait.
The Royal Navy's presence is a signal of its capability to uphold maritime law, though commanders will be wary of any miscalculation that could reignite confrontation. The situation remains fluid, and further transits are expected in the coming days.
