Iranian minister downplays UK decision to send warship to Persian Gulf

TEHRAN, Jan. 9 (MNA) – Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi downplayed Britain’s decision to dispatch its most advanced warship to the Persian Gulf, calling the move “unimportant.” He made the remarks after a cabinet meeting on Sunday. Britain said on Saturday it plans to send its most powerful destroyer, named HMS Daring, to the Persian Gulf amid threats by Iran to block the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most important oil shipping lane, the Economic Times reported. According to the Telegraph, HMS Daring has been fitted with new technology that will give it the ability to shoot down missiles. The one-billion-pound destroyer, which will leave Portsmouth next on Wednesday, also carries the world’s most sophisticated naval radar, capable of tracking multiple incoming threats from missiles to fighter jets.