Britain’s biggest warship is being sent to the Gulf for its first mission as tensions rise in the region after Iran threat to block the Strait of Hormuz, it has been revealed.

Naval Commanders believe the deployment of HMS Daring, a Type 45 destroyer, will send a significant message to the Iranians because of the firepower and technology it carries.

Defence Secretary Phillip Hammond has publicly warned Iran that any blockade of the strait would be “illegal and unsuccessful”.

HMS Daring will enter the Gulf later this month.