As if tensions in the Strait of Hormuz were not high enough already, the British government announced on 11 July that a Royal Navy frigate had intervened to protect a tanker from Iranian vessels. HMS Montrose was escorting the UK-flagged British Heritage through the narrow waterway after Iran had threatened to retaliate in kind to the apprehension by UK forces of a tanker carrying Iranian fuel oil offshore Gibraltar on 5 July.

In the latest incident, the Naval escort “was forced to position herself between the Iranian vessels.” It issued “verbal warnings” and the boats moved away. Iran denies involvement. US General Joseph Dunford, chairman of the joint chief of staffs, earlier called for a joint coalition of allies to secure Hormuz and the nearby Bab al-Mandeb. (CONTINUED - 125 WORDS)