Moscow, March 22 (NationPress) A nuclear-powered Royal Navy submarine has docked in the Arabian Sea, equipped to execute cruise missile strikes against Iran, as reported by British media citing military insiders.

The submarine, HMS Anson, is armed with Tomahawk Block IV land-attack missiles and Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes. It is currently positioned in the deep waters of the northern Arabian Sea, according to the Daily Mail on Saturday (local time).

This development indicates that British military forces are prepared to initiate strikes on Iran should tensions escalate, the report added.

If the prime minister grants authorization, it is said that HMS Anson would ascend near the surface to launch four missiles, as per Xinhua news agency.

On Friday, the United Kingdom consented to permit the United States to utilize British military bases for operations aimed at degrading missile sites that have been targeting vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a Downing Street announcement.

The UK is collaborating with international allies to devise a comprehensive strategy for the protection of international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, the statement issued on Friday (local time) noted.

Despite this initiative, the UK emphasized its commitment to avoiding engagement in a broader conflict.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi cautioned his British counterpart on Friday not to aid the US and Israel in their aggressions against Iran, warning that such actions could exacerbate tensions, according to Xinhua news agency.

Later, Araghchi expressed via X that, "The vast majority of the British public opposes involvement in the Israel-US conflict against Iran."

"By ignoring his own constituents, Mr. Starmer jeopardizes British lives by permitting UK bases to be utilized for aggression against Iran. Iran reserves the right to defend itself," he stated.

In response, the UK government reiterated its stance, with Cooper advising Iran against targeting "UK bases, territory or interests," highlighting the potential for further escalation.

Tensions have surged following Iran's launch of two ballistic missiles aimed at Diego Garcia, a strategically vital joint US-UK facility in the Indian Ocean. Neither missile hit its intended target—one reportedly malfunctioned mid-flight, while the other was intercepted by a US naval defense, though it remains uncertain if it was successfully neutralized.

This attempted strike has heightened concerns regarding Iran's missile capabilities, as Diego Garcia is situated approximately 4,000 kilometers from Iranian borders, suggesting a possibly greater range than previously thought. The base plays an essential role in regional security, hosting US bombers, nuclear submarines, and guided-missile destroyers.