A second Royal Navy warship has arrived in the Gulf to protect British merchant ships amid a stand-off with Iran.
HMS Duncan will add military clout to cargo carriers and tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz where the British-flagged Stena Impero was seized by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards last week.
The Type 45 Destroyer will work with the Type 23 Frigate HMS Montrose until late August.
HMS Duncan has arrived in the Gulf to protect British merchant ships amid a stand-off with Iran
HMS Duncan (file photo) will add military clout to cargo carriers and tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz
HMS Montrose has so far escorted 35 shipping vessels through the troubled strait during 20 separate journeys.
Tension was heaped on diplomatic relations with Iran last Friday when the country's commandos dropped from a helicopter onto the British-flagged liner in a brazen act of piracy.
The Ministry of Defence stressed the importance of freedom of navigation for global trade and economies.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace 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. I'm pleased that HMS Duncan will continue HMS Montrose's fine work in helping to secure this essential route.
The Stena Impero was surrounded by Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces at 4pm and ordered to head north last Friday. This map shows how events unfolded
'While we continue to push for a diplomatic resolution that will make this possible again without military accompaniment, the Royal Navy will continue to provide a safeguard for UK vessels until this is the reality.'
Commander Tom Trent, the Commanding Officer of HMS Duncan confirmed that the warship had been redeployed to the Gulf from the Black Sea.
Four mine counter measures vessels have also been deployed, but maritime experts say they could be vulnerable to swarm attacks by Iranian fast boats.
On Wednesday, Iranian president Hassan Rouhani indicated that the captured Stena Impero could be released if the UK returns an Iranian oil tanker seized by the Royal Navy near Gibraltar earlier this month.
Stena Bulk, who owns the British-flagged tanker, said embassy officials have met crew members from their respective countries.
A statement from the company on Saturday said: 'Stena Bulk and Northern Marine Management continue to work closely with the authorities to secure the release of the Stena Impero and its 23 crew members.
'Feedback from the officials is that the crew are in good health and they appreciated the interaction with their government representatives.
'The crew members continue to have limited contact with family members, who we continue to support during this difficult time.'
The Stena Impero, which is Swedish owned, was taken in apparent retaliation after Britain seized Iranian tanker Grace 1 near Gibraltar earlier this month, with Iran claiming the US ordered the UK to get involved
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News Photo HMS Duncan arrives in the Gulf to protect British shipping amid stand-off with Iran
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