Request comes after London ordered navy to escort its ships through world's busiest oil shipping lane in response to Iranian soldiers seizing British tanker

London dispatches warship to Gulf to escort UK-flagged tankers across world's busiest oil shipping lane amid escalating tensions

Government spokesman claims his country is 'biggest agent of maritime security in the Persian Gulf,' warns fleet from Europe would carry a 'hostile message'

Officials from crewmen's home countries have met with them as the Stena Impero remains held by Tehran, Stena Bulk says

Meeting between foreign ministers seen as possible effort to diffuse standoff between Tehran and London, after former seized British-flagged tanker in Strait of Hormuz

Warship shadows BW Elm as it crosses Strait of Hormuz, in first since Tehran took a UK-flagged tanker last week amid soaring tensions

FM Zarif congratulates former counterpart Boris Johnson, says Islamic Republic not backing down from standoff in oil-rich Gulf

Head of navy says drones tracking all 'enemy' vessels in the region, announces joint naval exercises with 'allied countries' in March 2020

UK foreign minister calls seizure of tanker by Iran an act of state piracy; Tehran releases video of crew, in apparent bid to show they are unharmed

British official rejects Tehran claim that ship had turned off transponder after hitting Islamic Republic's fishing boat, asserts its vessel had been operating legally