UK Positions Nuclear Submarine Near Iran: Reports

The UK has reportedly positioned the nuclear-powered submarine HMS Anson in the northern Arabian Sea, giving Britain a potential option to hit targets in Iran if the Middle East crisis worsens. The Daily Mail, citing military sources, said on 22 March that the deployment occurred as tensions with Tehran increased.

The same report said HMS Anson is armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles and is believed to be on station in the northern Arabian Sea. This would place Iranian territory within range of possible strikes if the regional confrontation escalates sharply and London decides to support further US-led action.

HMS Anson deployment and use of British bases in Iran conflict

On 21 March, the British government agreed the US military could use bases in Britain to hit Iranian missile sites involved in attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. These sites have been targeting commercial and naval vessels, adding pressure on London and Washington to respond.

Before granting that permission, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer had rejected an earlier American request. Starmer said a legal basis for any operation against Iran was required. Starmer later changed position after Iranian strikes on British partners across the Middle East, and authorised US access to RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.

HMS Anson movement and command control in Arabian Sea near Iran

According to the Daily Mail, HMS Anson sailed from Perth in Australia on 6 March and then headed towards the Arabian Sea. The submarine is reported to surface every 24 hours so that communications with the Permanent Joint Headquarters in London can be maintained. Defence sources say any launch order would come directly from Starmer.

Iran on 21 March targeted Diego Garcia, a joint US-UK base about 2,500 miles, or roughly 4,000 kilometres, from Iran. Reuters quoted a UK defence ministry source saying the strike attempt took place before London gave explicit approval for US forces to employ British bases against Iranian missile facilities.

The two Iranian missiles fired at Diego Garcia did not hit the island, but the launch raised concerns about Tehran's reach. Analysts noted Iran may now have longer-range missiles than previously accepted, or could have adapted a space programme launch vehicle for this attempt over extended distance.

Israel's military leadership warned European governments about the implications of Iran's missile reach. Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir said in a statement, "These missiles are not intended to strike Israel. Their range reaches European capitals - Berlin, Paris, and Rome are all within direct threat range." Officials across Europe and in London are assessing these claims.