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US Embassy officials in Berlin confirmed that Washington has formally asked Britain, France and Germany to back their mission to "combat Iranian aggression".

It come amid the ongoing row over the seizure of British vessel Stena Impero and the repeated attacks on tankers in the Gulf.

"We've formally asked Germany to join France and the UK to help secure the Straits of Hormuz and combat Iranian aggression," a spokeswoman said.

"Members of the German government have been clear that freedom of navigation should be protected.Our question is, protected by whom."

Iran has been accused of attacking five vessels and a cargo ship as they passed through the Strait of Hormuz.

(Image: ROYAL NAVY)

The waterway seperates Iran from the UAE and has been the scene of major tensions amid the ongoing row between Tehran and the West.

Britain has already sent two warships – HMS Duncan and HMS Montrose – to escort UK ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

Downing Street had also called for the formation of a European force in bid to deter Iran after the seziure of Stena Impero.

Yesterday, Iran released audio and video of their capture of the tanker featuring its forces warning the Royal Navy they "risked their lives" if they tried to stop them.

(Image: GETTY) (Image: GETTY)

Tensions have heightened in recent months as Iran is accused of attempting to disrupt global oil markets by locking down the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has been accused of staging attacks on tankers, but Tehran denies any involvement despite the finger being squarely pointed by Washington.

It also shot down a US drone – nearly prompting a limited strike by the Pentagon before an 11th hour U-turn by Trump.

The actions are believed to be part of the ongoing row over the so-called nuclear deal that was last year axed by US President Trump.

(Image: GETTY)

Tanker tensions reached a new level when Britain seized the Grace 1 – an Iranian oil tanker believed to be bound for Syria.

It was breaching EU sanctions when it passed Gibraltar as it entered the Med.

Iran responded by threatening to seize UK ships, a move which prompted a warship deployment by the Royal Navy.

Britain’s frigate HMS Montrose was however unable to stop Iran capturing the British flagged Stena Impero.

(Image: ROYAL NAVY)

Britain has urged Iran release the tanker and accused it of “state piracy” – but refused to arrange a tanker swap between Stena Impero and Grace 1.

And causing further tensions, Iran has broken the binds placed on its enrichment of uranium by the nuclear deal.

Tehran has said the measures are just for power plant fuel, and will not be used for the development of nukes.

France and Germany have both condemned Iran's moves which breach the deal, but had so far been cool on US suggestions of "maximum pressure".

(Image: GETTY)

Trump’s administration argues the deal was too soft on Iran and it didn’t impact its missile programme of sponsor of terrorism.

Iran has said it wants to continue to abide by the agreement but cannot do so indefinitely if US sanctions prevent it from receiving any of the promised economic benefits.

Britain’s new Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has inherited the crisis as tensions rise in the Middle East.

HMS Duncan and HMS Montrose have been given instructions to escort all British shipping in the Strait of Hormuz amid fears of further seizures.