"We took a very specific decision not to provide support for strikes that were taking place over this weekend. We have been clear that we believe there should be a diplomatic process, negotiations process. But we also now face the situation where there are 300,000 estimated British citizens in other Gulf countries that are being targeted by Iranian missiles and drones. That is why we are providing support for defensive action."
"It's important to say that the UK is not going to be involved directly in those strikes, but are providing support. This is about ballistic missiles and launches that are pointed at the Gulf. It is only about defensive action around the Gulf. It is not about support for any political or economic or broader infrastructure targets. There's a clear difference there."
The UK government, led by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, clarified its position on Middle East military involvement following a suspected drone strike on RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. The UK deliberately chose not to support US offensive strikes over the weekend, instead advocating for diplomatic negotiations regarding Iranian nuclear weapons threats. However, the government authorized US use of British military bases for defensive operations protecting Gulf region infrastructure and an estimated 300,000 British citizens from Iranian missiles and drones. Cooper emphasized the distinction between defensive support and offensive involvement, stating the UK would not directly participate in strikes but would provide defensive assistance. Cypriot authorities reported no casualties from the Akrotiri strike.
#uk-military-policy #iran-us-tensions #middle-east-diplomacy #defensive-military-action #british-citizens-protection
Read at www.theguardian.com
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