The Royal Navy’s only warship deployed in the conflict with Iran, the destroyer HMS Dragon, has left the region due to maintenance issues, reports the Daily Mail.

According to the tabloid, the ship was sent to the conflict zone a few weeks after hostilities began. Media sources reported that HMS Dragon experienced problems with its water supply, affecting provisions for the crew.

The Ministry of Defence initially denied these claims but later confirmed that the ship had moved to a secure port for repairs. While in port, HMS Dragon’s weapons and other systems will be “further optimized,” which officials say will “increase flexibility for future deployments in the region.”

For security reasons, the exact location of HMS Dragon has not been disclosed.

“HMS Dragon is undertaking a planned logistical stop and short maintenance period in the Eastern Mediterranean, allowing the ship to take on provisions, optimize systems, and carry out technical maintenance. During this period, the vessel will maintain a very high level of readiness and can return to sea at short notice if required. The UK continues to maintain a strong, layered defensive presence in the Eastern Mediterranean, operating in coordination with allies. This includes Typhoon and F-35 fighter jets, Wildcat and Merlin helicopters, as well as modern anti-drone and air defense systems,” the Ministry of Defence stated.

The media note that the government faced criticism over the delay in deploying HMS Dragon to the Persian Gulf amid escalating tensions, leaving the UK without a major warship when the Iran conflict began on 28 February. Criticism intensified when naval vessels from other European countries, including France and Greece, arrived in the Mediterranean just days after Iran launched retaliatory attacks through the Persian Gulf.