The British submarine HMS Anson has taken up positions near Iran

A nuclear-powered submarine of the British Royal Navy has arrived in the northern part of the Arabian Sea to be ready to launch strikes in the event of an escalation of the conflict. 

According to the Daily Mail on March 22, 2026, the submarine HMS Anson departed from the Australian port of Perth on March 6 and is currently on combat alert. The deployment of British forces comes amid Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s decision to allow the U.S. to use British bases for attacks on Iranian targets to protect shipping.

Armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles, the submarine is capable of remaining undetected for weeks, surfacing only to communicate with headquarters in London. The UK Ministry of Defense has not officially commented on the vessel’s location, but sources confirm the fleet’s readiness to open fire upon the prime minister’s order. The strengthening of the British presence in the region is part of the U.S. alliance strategy to deter Tehran, which continues to threaten Middle Eastern infrastructure and block the Strait of Hormuz.

The deployment of a nuclear submarine in the Arabian Sea signals London’s shift to a phase of direct military deterrence. While Donald Trump reports on the destruction of Iran’s military capabilities, the presence of HMS Anson provides an additional layer of pressure on the Iranian leadership. The situation remains critical, as any order to launch missiles could lead to a large-scale conflict affecting key global energy hubs.

U.S. President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum to Tehran, demanding that the Strait of Hormuz be fully opened within 48 hours.

As a reminder, Tehran began allowing commercial vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz only for a fee.

In addition, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the start of consultations with key partners on creating a UN mechanism to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz.

Recall that war in the Middle East threatens global food security, according to Al Jazeera.

Donald Trump stated that after the “demise” of the Iranian regime, control of the Strait of Hormuz should be assumed by American allies. He criticizes Europe for its unwillingness to send ships to escort tankers. The U.S. is prepared to leave patrolling to its allies if Iran falls.