LONDON: Britain's navy will accompany UK-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz to provide protection after the killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani by US forces.
Defence minister Ben Wallace said he had ordered the warships HMS Montrose and HMS Defender to prepare to return to escort duties for all ships sailing under a British merchant flag.
"The government will take all necessary steps to protect our ships and citizens at this time," he said.
Britain also urged all parties to show restraint on Saturday after the United States killed Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in an air strike, but said its closest ally was entitled to defend itself against an imminent threat.
Defence minister Ben Wallace said in a statement that he had spoken to his US counterpart Mark Esper, adding: "We urge all parties to engage to de-escalate the situation.
"Under international law the United States is entitled to defend itself against those posing an imminent threat to their citizens," he added.
