UK nuclear submarine deployed to Arabian Sea ahead of Iran targeting key US-UK base: reports

(SeaPRwire) –   Reports indicate that a British nuclear-powered submarine has been sent to the Arabian Sea as regional tensions mount, with the deployment occurring prior to Iran’s unsuccessful ballistic missile attack on Diego Garcia, a strategic U.S.-U.K. military installation in the Indian Ocean.

The vessel, HMS Anson — an Astute-class submarine of the Royal Navy equipped with Tomahawk Block IV cruise missiles and Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes — journeyed approximately 5,500 miles from HMAS Stirling near Perth, Australia, to the area earlier this month.

The submarine is said to be operating in the northern Arabian Sea, which enables Britain to react swiftly should the conflict intensify.

According to GB News, HMS Anson routinely comes to the surface to sustain communications with the United Kingdom’s Permanent Joint Headquarters in London.

The same outlet noted that Anson is normally stationed at Faslane in Scotland, where authorities have charged an Iranian national with trying to gain unauthorized access.

Sources suggest the deployment followed shortly after the British government permitted the United States to utilize UK military installations for defensive actions aimed at Iranian missile systems that have endangered vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

Downing Street issued a statement indicating that these operations intended to “degrade the missile sites and capabilities” employed in assaults on maritime traffic, while stressing that Britain wishes to avoid being pulled into a broader regional war.

Multiple sources report that tensions escalated on Sunday when Iran fired two ballistic missiles in the direction of Diego Garcia. Neither projectile struck its intended target; one apparently malfunctioned mid-flight, while the other was destroyed before impact.

The unsuccessful attack has sparked concerns regarding Iran’s missile capabilities, given that Diego Garcia lies approximately 2,485 miles from Iranian territory.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi had previously cautioned the United Kingdom against backing American or Israeli military operations, warning that such support could worsen the conflict.

The BBC reported that, according to Araghchi’s version of the conversation, he informed British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper that Iran considers Britain’s decision to permit American forces to use its bases as “participation in aggression.”

He further condemned what he characterized as the United Kingdom’s “negative and biased” stance and insisted that it halt its collaboration with the United States.

Initially, the United Kingdom refused to authorize the use of its bases for American offensive strikes against Iran, but subsequently approved their use for defensive missions in reaction to Iranian missile threats.

Downing Street stated: “We didn’t take part in the initial strikes, and we won’t be pulled into the broader conflict.”

Tehran has declared that it would invoke what it terms its right to self-defense if it faces threats.

Additionally, the British Ministry of Defence announced on Sunday that Royal Air Force resources, including Typhoon fighter jets, continue to be involved in defensive missions in the area.

The ministry further noted that British troops have assisted in neutralizing Iranian drone dangers while maintaining close coordination with partner nations.

Digital has contacted the British Ministry of Defence seeking a statement.