Key Highlights
- On Thursday, the Royal Navy of Britain announced that it had seized Iranian weapons.
- The weapons include anti-tank guided missiles, from a smuggler’s vessel in the Gulf of Oman, which was sailing in international waters.
The vessel was detected by an unmanned US intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance plane, and a British helicopter also tracked it.
When hailed by the Royal Navy, the vessel initially attempted to go towards Iranian territorial waters but was stopped by a team of Royal Marines. The suspicious packages were retrieved, and initial inspection indicated they contained Iranian anti-tank guided missiles and medium-range ballistic missile components.
The British Ministry of Defence said it had informed the United Nations about the seizure.
According to British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace, the Royal Navy’s interception is in line with their commitment to upholding international law and preventing activities that jeopardize global peace and security.
Ben Wallace also thanked HMS Lancaster for their part in the seizure. This is the third time in the past year that the Royal Navy has seized Iranian weapons in the area.
About British Royal Navy
The British Royal Navy is the naval warfare branch of the British Armed Forces. It is one of the world’s oldest and most powerful navies and was established in the 16th century. It has played a crucial role in Britain’s rise as a dominant global power.
Currently, the Royal Navy has a fleet of modern ships, submarines, and aircraft operating worldwide. Its responsibilities include protecting British interests and defending the UK and its allies against threats such as piracy, terrorism, and weapons proliferation.
In recent years, the it has been involved in high-profile operations like combating piracy off the coast of Somalia and providing air support in the fight against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. It continues to be a vital part of Britain’s defense strategy, and its presence ensures the country’s ability to project power and influence worldwide.
