The Foreign Office is drawing up plans to evacuate tens of thousands of British citizens from the Middle East as tensions escalate following US-Israeli attacks on Iran. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Sunday that approximately 200,000 British nationals are in the region, with many stranded in Dubai after its airspace was closed.
Around 94,000 Britons have registered with the Foreign Office for advice, with over 50,000 believed to be in the United Arab Emirates, mostly holidaymakers and business travellers. The government is exploring evacuation options, including road routes to neighbouring countries like Saudi Arabia, if airspace remains closed.
The Ministry of Defence is working with the Foreign Office on an unprecedented consular operation to identify and support those in need. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is expected to make her first remarks on the crisis on Monday after a weekend of diplomatic engagements with regional counterparts, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and G7 foreign ministers.
Starmer, along with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, issued a joint statement condemning Iran's 'indiscriminate and disproportionate' missile attacks and vowing to defend their interests. Defence Secretary John Healey described the Iranian regime as 'evil' and noted that few would mourn the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the bombing.
Healey confirmed that 300 UK troops were near an Iranian strike on a base in Bahrain, and two missiles were fired towards Cyprus, where thousands of UK personnel are stationed. He urged Iran to disarm and return to negotiations, while emphasising that UK military planes are active in the region to protect British citizens and interests.
