More than 100,000 Britons register for help in Middle East

"A total of 102,000 Britons have registered their presence in the Middle East with the UK government, as Iranian strikes continue across the region. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper told the BBC there were an estimated 300,000 British citizens in Gulf countries, where much of the airspace is closed. She said many of those trapped were holidaymakers, passengers transiting through or people on business visits."

"Foreign Office sources said no evacuation was imminent but the government was preparing for potential scenarios if commercial flights remained grounded. British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar and United Arab Emirates have been urged to register their presence to receive updates from the Foreign Office."

"Cooper said that in previous similar situations the government had wanted to work with airline companies so people could fly home in the normal way. She urged people to follow local advice, which in most countries was to shelter in place, while the government coordinated with travel industry and regional governments."

Following Iranian strikes across the Middle East, the UK Foreign Office has implemented a registration scheme for British nationals in affected regions including Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. An estimated 300,000 British citizens are in Gulf countries, with 102,000 having registered so far. Many are holidaymakers, transit passengers, or business visitors unable to depart due to widespread airspace closures. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated no evacuation is imminent but the government is preparing contingency plans if commercial flights remain grounded. The government is coordinating with airlines, airports, and regional governments to facilitate normal commercial flights home rather than formal evacuations. Registration enables the Foreign Office to provide swift updates to affected citizens.

Read at www.bbc.com