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. @Jeremy_Hunt Iran tanker statement live now in @UKParliament
@Jeremy_Hunt @UKParliament BREAKING: @Jeremy_Hunt says European-led maritime protection mission will be established to ensure safe passage of commercial ships in Gulf in wake of Iran tanker seizure
@Jeremy_Hunt @UKParliament Hunt says it is with a "heavy heart" he is making this announcement of increased military presence in the Gulf. UK's desire remains for de-escalation of tensions with Iran but "we must react to the world around us as it is and not as we wish it to be"
@Jeremy_Hunt @UKParliament Hunt's warning to Tehran: "If Iran continues on this dangerous path they must accept the price will be a larger western military presence in the waters along their coastline" as Britain + allies protect freedom of navigation for international shipping
@Jeremy_Hunt @UKParliament Interesting detail on action of @HMS_MONTROSE in protecting tankers + other commercial ships in Strait of Hormuz since Iran threatened UK vessels: @RoyalNavy warship has done 17 transits (presumably through Strait of Hormuz) assisting 30 vessels
@Jeremy_Hunt @UKParliament @HMS_MONTROSE @RoyalNavy IMPORTANT: US made a proposal on how to enhance maritime security in Gulf in wake of Iran threat
US asked UK to contribute to a maritime force on 24 June
This became formal request on 30 June
UK will be talking to US about it later this week
US asked UK to contribute to a maritime force on 24 June
This became formal request on 30 June
UK will be talking to US about it later this week
@Jeremy_Hunt @UKParliament @HMS_MONTROSE @RoyalNavy Hunt wants new European maritime force to coordinate with US push for enhanced maritime security - though it sounds like they are going to be two different forces. This is interesting and reflects the contrasting approach to Iran by Washington and Europe
@Jeremy_Hunt @UKParliament @HMS_MONTROSE @RoyalNavy European-led maritime force for Gulf won't be happening overnight:
@Jeremy_Hunt says "there will be a gradual building up of presence". The arrival of @RoyalNavy's HMS Duncan (Type 45 destroyer) by 29 July is "the first step in this process"
@Jeremy_Hunt says "there will be a gradual building up of presence". The arrival of @RoyalNavy's HMS Duncan (Type 45 destroyer) by 29 July is "the first step in this process"
@Jeremy_Hunt @UKParliament @HMS_MONTROSE @RoyalNavy Hunt explains why more wasn't done to stop capture of a UK-flagged tanker in wake of Iran threat: He said steps were taken (such as HMS Montrose doing more in Gulf) but UK didn't want to do something that would be a "red rag to a bull", triggering an even bigger crisis with Iran
@Jeremy_Hunt @UKParliament @HMS_MONTROSE @RoyalNavy Hunt said UK had wanted to keep diplomacy going but seizure of Stena Impero means now UK has to take more robust action. "I think it was the right thing to start that way" he says
