Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said his country "categorically rejects the arrival” of HMS Trent. This, he said, was “an act of hostile provocation and a violation of the recent Argyle Declaration".
As Norway predicts Russian spies will target its energy sector, the UK oil and gas trade body said it is continuing with "regular engagements" with the UK government on any threats on this side of the North Sea.
The British navy intervened to stop Iran from blocking a commercial oil tanker leaving the Persian Gulf, heightening friction just as European nations scramble to salvage a landmark nuclear accord with the Islamic Republic.
A new online map reveals the location of dozens of war-time unexploded mines and bombs around the UK coastline, enabling developers of offshore energy projects to work out how to safely carry out operations.