LONDON (Reuters) - Britain is considering sending drones to the Gulf amid tensions with Iran, as part of measures begun several weeks ago to protect its ships in the Strait of Hormuz, British media reported on Saturday.

The British Air Force has a number of Reaper drones stationed in Kuwait and could be assigned to other missions if a decision is made to deploy drones in the Gulf.

The planes will help in reconnaissance operations as British warships continue to escort British-flagged tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Daily Mail quoted navy commander Dean Bassett as saying British officials were considering redeploying drones used in Syria and Iraq to target the Islamic State terrorist group, to protect British ships in the Gulf.

Bassett said Britain was considering options to strengthen its military presence in the region, including sending drones to conduct reconnaissance.

It is noteworthy that Britain currently has two warships in the region, but relies on US planes drones in reconnaissance operations.

Britain on Friday called for broad support to tackle shipping threats in the Gulf after Iran seized a British-flagged tanker in the Strait in July.

Zarif in Moscow
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif will hold talks in Moscow on bilateral cooperation and regional developments.

The two ministers will discuss the future of the Iranian nuclear deal and the French proposals in this regard, as well as developments in the Gulf region, Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan and military tension on the Lebanese-Israeli border.