HMS Anson, an Astute-class nuclear submarine armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles and Spearfish torpedoes, was deployed to the northern Arabian Sea after steaming roughly 5,500 miles from HMAS Stirling. The deployment preceded reports that Iran fired two ballistic missiles toward Diego Garcia; one reportedly failed and the other was intercepted. London authorized U.S. defensive operations from British bases to address Iranian missile threats while stressing it does not seek a wider regional war. The U.K. Ministry of Defence says RAF Typhoons and other British assets remain engaged in coordinated defensive actions and counter-drone efforts.
HMS Anson Deployed To Arabian Sea As Iran Launches Missiles Toward Diego Garcia, Reports Say
UK nuclear submarine deployed to Arabian Sea before Iran targets key US-UK base: reports
A Royal Navy Astute-class nuclear submarine, HMS Anson, has been deployed to the northern Arabian Sea amid rising tensions in the region, arriving shortly before reports said Iran launched ballistic missiles toward Diego Garcia, the strategically important U.S.-U.K. base in the central Indian Ocean.
Deployment And Capabilities
According to media accounts, HMS Anson steamed roughly 5,500 miles from HMAS Stirling — the Royal Australian Navy base near Perth — to enter the area earlier in March. The submarine is equipped with Tomahawk Block IV cruise missiles and Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes and is reportedly operating in the northern Arabian Sea to allow Britain to respond quickly if the situation escalates.
HMS Anson, the fifth of the Royal Navy's Astute-class nuclear submarines, is seen docking in Gibraltar.(Getty Images)
The vessel is typically based at HM Naval Base Clyde (Faslane) in Scotland and is said to surface periodically to maintain communications with the U.K.'s Permanent Joint Headquarters in London.
Missile Incident Near Diego Garcia
Multiple outlets reported that Iran launched two ballistic missiles toward Diego Garcia. Neither missile reached the atoll: one reportedly failed in flight and the other was intercepted. Diego Garcia is roughly 2,485 miles from Iran, prompting discussion about Iranian missile range and intent.
Diego Garcia is a strategic Indian Ocean base hosting 2,500 US military personnel.
Downing Street said operations authorized by the U.K. were intended to "degrade the missile sites and capabilities" that have threatened shipping and regional security, while stressing Britain does not seek to be drawn into a wider regional conflict.
Diplomatic Reactions And Defence Posture
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi warned Britain against supporting U.S. or Israeli military action, telling U.K. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper that permitting U.S. use of British bases amounted to "participation in aggression," according to his account of the call reported by the BBC. He also criticized what he described as a "negative and biased" U.K. approach and demanded cooperation with the U.S. cease.
The U.K. government has said it did not authorize U.S. forces to use British bases for initial offensive strikes on Iran but later allowed defensive operations aimed at countering Iranian missile threats. Downing Street stated: "We didn’t participate in the initial strikes, and we’re not getting drawn into the wider war." Tehran has said it would exercise its right to self-defense if it perceives a threat.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi claimed he told U.K. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper that Iran views Britain’s decision to allow U.S. forces to use its bases as "participation in aggression."
British Military Actions
The U.K. Ministry of Defence said Royal Air Force assets, including Typhoon jets, remain engaged in defensive operations in the region. The ministry added that British forces have helped counter Iranian drone threats while coordinating closely with allied partners.
News outlets note that the deployment of HMS Anson and other defensive measures reflect heightened vigilance as diplomatic and military tensions continue to evolve. Fox News Digital and other outlets reported these developments; Fox News Digital said it reached out to the U.K. Ministry of Defence for comment.
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