The Foreign Office has issued an urgent warning that "the risk of sudden escalation is high" in the Middle East, as unusual submarine activity involving UK submarines raises questions.
Updated on October 27, official FCDO guidance is urging Britons to prepare for potential flight cancellations and travel disruptions.
Three submarines deployed at sea
The guidance emerged alongside reports that three of the UK's four nuclear deterrent submarines are currently deployed at sea. The reasoning behind the simultaneous deployment remains uncertain, though at least one vessel is believed to be armed with nuclear warheads and carrying out routine patrol duties, according to Sky.
One expert has suggested that one submarine is likely preparing to take over patrol duties, while a third may be undergoing sea trials. The deployment points to improved availability, which has been a persistent challenge for the Royal Navy's submarine service in recent years.
A source told The Times, which first broke the story, that having three submarines at sea simultaneously is "unusual," though they declined to elaborate further. The UK's adversaries and NATO allies are certain to take note of the development.
Signal to potential opponents
Given the formidable arsenal these vessels carry, the deployment could be interpreted as a clear signal to potential opponents. The fourth Trident submarine, HMS Victorious, remains docked at Devonport naval base undergoing maintenance.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: "Our nuclear deterrent is the cornerstone of our national security, protecting the UK and our NATO allies every moment of every day.
"We remain the only European ally to commit its nuclear deterrent to the defence of NATO. This means that all NATO Allies already benefit from the protection of our nuclear deterrent."
Travel warning across the region
With submarines currently deployed at sea, the Foreign Office travel warning covers airspace across multiple countries, including Israel, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Iraq, Jordan and Yemen.
The FCDO has delivered a grave warning that Iran has publicly stated its intention to strike targets associated with the US and Israel, as regional tensions continue to escalate.
