UK Deploys Jets to Defend Gulf Allies After Iranian Strikes Threaten British Citizens: UK PM Keir Starmer.
London:
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that United Kingdom has launched defensive air operations in the Gulf region after a wave of Iranian strikes targeted locations across the Middle East, putting hundreds of thousands of British nationals at risk.
Starmer said UK was not involved in earlier strikes against Iran, but confirmed that Iranian attacks over the past two days have escalated tensions and directly threatened British citizens and interests in the region.
According to the PM Starmer, Iran has carried out sustained missile and drone attacks across several Gulf countries, striking civilian infrastructure including airports and hotels where foreign nationals, including British citizens, were staying.
“Officials estimate that around 200,000 British citizens are currently in the Gulf region, including residents, tourists on holiday, and travelers passing through major transit hubs” said Starmer.
The PM Starmer has urged all British nationals in the area to register their presence with the Foreign Office and follow official travel advice.
“This is clearly a dangerous situation,” the PM said in a statement. “I know this is a deeply worrying time, and we will continue to do all we can to support British citizens.”
Military Base in Bahrain Targeted
UK PM stated that the situation intensified after Iran struck a military base in Bahrain, narrowly missing British personnel stationed there. The attack raised concerns about the safety of British armed forces deployed across the Gulf.
PM said that British jets have now been deployed as part of coordinated defensive operations with regional partners. The aircraft are tasked with intercepting Iranian missiles and drones threatening allied territories.
The UK PM confirmed that several Iranian projectiles have already been intercepted successfully by these defensive operations.
Growing Concerns Over Civilian Safety
UK PM accused Iran of increasingly reckless military actions that are putting civilian lives in danger.
“Their approach is becoming even more reckless and more dangerous to civilians,” the PM said, referencing attacks on civilian locations such as hotels and transportation hubs.
The PM also condemned the deaths of civilians resulting from the strikes and warned that such incidents could further destabilize the region.
Gulf Partners Request Support
Several Gulf nations have reportedly asked the United Kingdom to increase its defensive support in response to the escalating Iranian attacks.
The UK PM said “we have a responsibility to protect British lives while also assisting allies facing immediate threats.”
“It is my duty to protect British lives,” the PM Starmer emphasized.
Call for Diplomatic Resolution
Despite the rising tensions, the UK PM reiterated that it does not seek further escalation and continues to support a diplomatic solution.
He stressed that the long-term path forward should be a negotiated settlement in which Iran abandons any ambitions to develop nuclear weapons.
“Our position remains that the path forward for the region and the world is a negotiated settlement,” the PM said.
A Region on Edge
The latest escalation has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict in the Middle East, with military forces from multiple countries now on high alert.
For now, UK PM says the government priority remains protecting citizens and personnel in the region while supporting defensive operations alongside allies.
The UK PM said he will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide further updates as events develop.
