The UK is to be without a warship in the Gulf region for the first time in decades, with HMS Lancaster set to leave Bahrain in the coming months, leaving no other frigates in the MENA region's waters.
HMS Lancaster has been at the forefront of a Western security force in the Gulf, aimed at countering the perceived threat of Iran and also to tackle the flow of illicit drugs.
In the past two months, HMS Lancaster has been involved in at least two recent major drug sweeps in the Gulf, but it is approaching the end of its service, with all Type 23 frigates set to be replaced with Type 26 and Type 31 frigates in 2028.
This means that for at least three years, the UK will have no warships in the region, bar two non-offensive mine sweepers.
This would be the first time the UK has been without a non-offensive naval vessel in the region since 1980 and possibly the 19th century, according to The Telegraph.
There has been a Royal Navy base in Bahrain since 1935, with the facility rebuilt in 2018 at the expense of the Bahraini government, provided the UK docks a frigate there at all times.
The base, known as the United Kingdom Naval Support Facility or HMS Juffair, is located close to the Bahraini capital Manama but there were questions over whether it larger vessels, such as the Royal Navy's Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers would be able to dock there.
The French navy has increased its presence in the Gulf in recent years, while the US maintains its Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.
Many have interpreted the planned withdrawal of HMS Lancaster as a sign of the UK's waning influence in the MENA region, although it is not clear if the newer class of frigates will be based in Bahrain after they enter service in three years time.