"Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and that is why we have continually supported efforts to reach a negotiated solution. Our immediate priority is the safety of UK nationals in the region and we will provide them with consular assistance, available 24/7."
"As part of our longstanding commitments to the security of our allies in the Middle East, we have a range of defensive capabilities in the region, which we have recently bolstered. We stand ready to protect our interests. We do not want to see further escalation into a wider regional conflict."
"The US and Israel appear to be engaging in a wide-ranging campaign aimed at regime change in Iran, as well as bombing its nuclear and missile sites. Iran appears to have launched an immediate counterattack aimed at US bases in the Gulf with initial reports of assaults on bases in Bahrain, Qatar, UAE and Kuwait, and at Israel."
The UK government convened its Cobra emergency committee to address escalating Middle East tensions following US-Israeli bombing campaigns against Iran and subsequent Iranian missile attacks on regional bases. British nationals in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE were instructed to shelter in place. The UK did not participate in initial strikes but had previously deployed RAF Typhoons to Qatar and subsequently added six F-35s and air defence systems to Cyprus. Small numbers of British forces are stationed at affected bases with no reported casualties. The government emphasized preventing Iranian nuclear weapons development and supporting regional allies while prioritizing consular assistance for British nationals and avoiding further escalation.
#uk-military-response #iran-israel-conflict #middle-east-escalation #british-nationals-safety #regional-security
Read at www.theguardian.com
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