HMS Dragon, which has been dispatched to protect Britain’s air bases in Cyprus amid the Iran war, has docked in the Mediterranean after suffering technical issues.
The Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer will still be able to sail at short notice “if required”, the Ministry of Defence said.
“HMS Dragon is undertaking a routine logistics stop and a short maintenance period in the eastern Mediterranean, allowing the ship to take on board provisions, optimise systems and conduct maintenance,” an MoJ spokesperson said.
“HMS Dragon will remain at a very high level of readiness during this period, able to sail at short notice if required.
“The UK continues to maintain a robust and layered defensive presence in the eastern Mediterranean, working in coordination with allies.
“This includes Typhoon and F-35 jets, Wildcat and Merlin helicopters, and advanced counter-drone and air defence systems.”
A two-week ceasefire is now in place in Iran after US president Donald Trump issued an 11th-hour reprieve from his threats to wipe out “a whole civilisation”.
The US president had given Tehran until 1am on Wednesday UK time to end its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz or face obliteration.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the ceasefire would not stop his country’s fight against Hezbollah in Lebanon, which continued through the morning on Wednesday.
This comes despite Pakistan, a key mediator, saying the ceasefire included the fighting in Lebanon.
Questions have also emerged over what appeared to be duelling proposals to reopen the vital Strait, with Iran insisting it would charge tolls to passing ships.
It also said it would continue to enrich uranium.
Mr Trump then suggested American warships would be “hangin’ around” the Strait, through which 20 per cent of all oil and natural gas passes in peacetime. That could be a potential flashpoint as the days go on.
Downing Street earlier said the UK’s focus was on “de-escalation” and a “negotiated settlement” for the region.
The UK has granted permission for the US to use British military bases to carry out limited defensive operations, only targeting Iran’s missile sites and facilities being used to target shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital 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 spokesperson said Sir Keir Starmer had been clear “this isn’t our war” and “our position is very much focused on de-escalation”.
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