Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “The UK is determined to ensure her shipping is protected from unlawful threats and for that reason we have joined the new maritime security mission in the Gulf.

“The deployment of the Royal Navy assets is a sign of our commitment to our UK-flagged vessels and we look forward to working alongside the US and others to find an international solution to the problems in the Strait of Hormuz.”

Iran claimed they seized another tanker this weekend amid the ongoing tensions in the Gulf. 

It is feared a new tanker war could be sparked in the region, with six vessels already coming under attack in 2019. 

Britain has been roped into the tanker row after the Royal Marines seized Iranian vessel Grace 1 as she sailed past Gibraltar bound for Syria.

It was accused of breaking EU sanctions by taking oil to the ruthless regime. 

Iranian reacted furiously, capturing the Stena Impero in a tit-for-tat response – threatening HMS Montrose as she sped to the scene during the seizure. 

Foreign secretary Dominic Raab refused to negotiate with Iran over a tanker swap as tempers fkare in the Gulf. 

Tensions have heightened in recent months as Iran is accused of attempting to disrupt oil markets by locking down the Strait of Hormuz.

The strait is a narrow piece of sea between Iran and UAE that is vital to global trade.

Iran has been accused of in the past two months staging attacks on five oil tankers and a cargo ship.

Tehran denies any involvement in the attacks, but they have soundly been blamed by the US. 

Iran also shot down a US drone – nearly prompting a limited strike by the Pentagon before an 11th hour U-turn by Trump.

And causing further tensions, Iran has broken the binds placed on its enrichment of uranium by the nuclear deal.

Tehran has said the measures are just for power plant fuel, and will not be used for the development of nukes.

France and Germany have both condemned Iran’s moves which breach the deal, but had so far been cool on US suggestions of “maximum pressure”. 

Trump’s administration argues the deal was too soft on Iran and it didn’t impact its missile programme of sponsor of terrorism.

Iran has said it wants to continue to abide by the agreement but cannot do so indefinitely if US sanctions prevent it from receiving any of the promised economic benefits.

HMS Duncan and HMS Montrose have been given instructions to escort all British shipping in the Strait of Hormuz amid fears of further seizures after the capture of Stena Impero.

Daily Star Online revealed Iran’s network of terror “proxies” which may strike the West amid the tensions.

• Iran

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