Middle East Tensions Escalate as British Nuclear Submarine Arrives in Arabian Sea
A nuclear-powered submarine of the Royal Navy has arrived in the Arabian Sea with the capability to launch strikes against Iran if the conflict intensifies. According to military sources, the submarine HMS Anson is equipped to fire cruise missiles.
As reported by the Daily Mail on Sunday (22/3/2026), HMS Anson, fitted with land-attack Tomahawk Block IV missiles with a range of 1,000 miles and heavyweight Spearfish torpedoes, departed from a port in Perth on 6 March and is believed to be taking up position in the deep waters of the northern Arabian Sea.
This means British forces now have the capability to launch strikes against Iran if the conflict escalates. The news comes after Downing Street stated that Prime Minister Keir Starmer has agreed to allow the US to use British bases to launch attacks on Iranian sites that have targeted the Strait of Hormuz.
Starmer had previously permitted US forces to use the bases only for defensive operations to prevent Iran from firing missiles that endanger British interests or lives. However, he has now approved an expansion of targets to help protect ships in shipping lanes under ‘collective self-defence’.
HMS Anson, which has travelled 5,500 miles from the west coast of Australia to await orders, surfaces to near-periscope depth every 24 hours to enable communication with the UK’s military bunker at the Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ) in Northwood, London.
Defence sources say that at PJHQ, Lieutenant General Nick Perry, the Chief of Joint Operations, would issue the order to fire if authorised by the Prime Minister. HMS Anson would then rise to near-surface and launch a salvo of four missiles.
This advanced submarine, based in Faslane, Scotland, does not have a standard periscope and instead displays the surface view on a large television screen.
Its nuclear reactor means the vessel does not need refuelling during its 25-year service life, while its ability to purify water and air means it can circumnavigate the globe without needing to surface.
However, this is limited by the fact that the submarine can only carry food supplies for three months for its 98 officers and crew.
One source said: “Anson will lurk quietly. The Prime Minister and Commander of Maritime Operations will be told where the submarine is and, of course, the Submarine Service—but its location will not be widely known.”
“The Navy quickly positions the submarine and then can leave it there for weeks.”
“If necessary, the submarine will operate silently, so no showers, no flushing toilets, and many people bathing in one tub of water. The smell will be pretty rank.”
The Ministry of Defence declined to comment on the location of HMS Anson. A spokesperson said: “We will not provide details on current operations or specific deployments.”
“We continue to monitor our capabilities in the region on an ongoing basis.”