Report: British Nuclear-Powered Submarine Arrives in Arabian Sea, Capable of Striking Iran if Conflict Escalates

According to DAILY MAIL, military sources say that a Royal Navy nuclear-powered submarine has arrived in the Arabian Sea, equipped with the capability to launch cruise missile strikes.

The HMS Anson, armed with 1,000-mile-range Tomahawk Block IV land-attack missiles and heavy Fathom torpedoes, departed from Perth Harbor on March 6 and is believed to be positioned in deep waters in the northern Arabian Sea.

This means that if the conflict escalates, the UK will have the ability to strike Iran.

Previously, the UK Prime Minister’s Office announced on Friday that Sir Keir Starmer had agreed to allow U.S. forces to use British military bases to target Iranian-related targets involved in attacks on the Strait of Hormuz.

Starmer had previously only permitted U.S. forces to use these bases for defensive actions to prevent Iran from launching missiles that could threaten UK interests and personnel.

However, he has now approved expanding the scope of targets to assist in protecting ships on this shipping route under the principle of “collective self-defense.”

This advanced submarine, based out of Faslane in Scotland, does not have a traditional periscope but instead uses a large display screen to show surface images.

Its nuclear reactor allows it to operate for 25 years without refueling; it also has water and air purification systems, enabling it to circumnavigate the globe without surfacing.

However, this capability has limitations: the submarine can only carry enough food supplies for 98 officers and sailors for three months.

Sources say, “Anson will operate covertly. Only the Prime Minister, naval combat commanders, and the submarine crew will know its location, and its movements will not be publicly disclosed.”

“The navy will quickly deploy the submarine, which can then remain silent in the relevant waters for several weeks.”

“When necessary, the submarine will operate fully silent — no showers, no toilet flushing, and multiple sailors sharing a single basin of water for washing, making the environment very unpleasant.”