Iranians test the 'resolve' of Royal Navy frigate in the Gulf by bombarding them with threats

ROYAL Navy frigate HMS Montrose has had 85 ‘interactions’ with Iranian forces in just 27 days of patrolling the Gulf, the warship’s captain has revealed.

Commander William King revealed a frequent ‘exchange of warnings’; between Britain and Iran as Montrose fought to protect British shipping in the Straits of Hormuz – the world’s busiest shipping lane.

Iran has already seized one British ship, the Stena Impero, in retaliation to a Royal Marine operation off Gibraltar and Tehran has threatened its forces could strike again.

Speaking from the Gulf to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Cdr King said Iranian forces had issued threats about the British presence and run fast boats towards Montrose to test the ship’s reactions.

However, British sailors have developed a 'healthy understanding' with the Iranians and the contact remains 'professional,' he said.

'We've been here ever since this crisis with Iran started to unfold and we've now done 23 transits through the straits, almost one every day,' Cdr King added.

'I've had 85 interactions with Iranian forces over the last 27 days so that gives you some idea of the intensity.