Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed that Royal Air Force Typhoon jets are conducting defensive missions in the Middle East to protect allies from Iranian retaliation following US-Israeli strikes on Iran. The UK is not participating in offensive operations but is providing air defence from bases in Qatar and Cyprus, intercepting drones and missiles.
Iran launched counterattacks targeting Israel, Jordan, and US bases in Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait, where British forces are also stationed. The Ministry of Defence declined to specify which countries or bases are being defended, but the UK recently bolstered deployments, including additional F-35s and air defence systems at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.
British nationals in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE have been advised to shelter in place, while the Foreign Office advises against all travel to Israel and Palestine. Starmer chaired an emergency Cobra meeting on Saturday to discuss the UK's response.
In a joint statement with French and German leaders, Starmer condemned Iranian attacks and urged restraint, emphasising that the UK did not participate in the strikes. The government reiterated its opposition to Iran acquiring nuclear weapons and called for a negotiated solution.
Labour MP Emily Thornberry, chair of the foreign affairs select committee, questioned the legality of the US-Israeli strikes, stating they were not under imminent threat. She urged the UK to avoid being drawn into the conflict unless directly attacked.
