According to Royal Air Force sources cited by the outlet, the ship remains on high operational readiness should its intervention be required, in a context marked by recent drone attacks against a British base in Cyprus.

The destroyer remains on high alert for any eventuality, the military sources indicated, amid escalating tensions that have led several countries to close their airspace.

Local military analysts warn that the conflict could overwhelm the defensive capabilities of Western bases in the area, especially following the bombings of US installations in at least six Arab nations.

British political figures such as former Deputy Home Secretary Tom Tugendhat urged an immediate naval response to protect allies like the United Arab Emirates, while former Navy Commander Tom Sharpe questioned why ships weren’t already sailing at full speed to the theater of operations.

The escalation intensified after the start of a joint US-Israeli military operation against Iran on February 28, which included bombings in Tehran and other major cities, justified by Washington under the pretext of alleged nuclear and missile threats.

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