"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. This is about the defence of our partners in the Gulf and defence of countries where we have so many British citizens and interests."
"It's a specific, limited agreement about the defence of Gulf countries, and many of those Gulf countries were not involved in any of the strikes on Iran. So, for example, it doesn't mean political and economic and infrastructure targets, but there is a significant issue about ballistic missiles."
Following Iranian drone and missile attacks on the Middle East after a US-Israeli strike killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the UK agreed to allow the US to use British military bases for defensive operations against Iranian missile sites. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper clarified that Britain did not support the initial offensive strikes and maintains commitment to diplomatic resolution. The decision aims to protect Gulf partners, Israeli interests, and approximately 300,000 British citizens in the region. Cooper emphasized this represents a specific, limited defensive agreement focused on ballistic missile threats, not political or infrastructure targets, and does not constitute involvement in an escalating offensive conflict.
#uk-military-policy #iran-us-tensions #middle-east-conflict #defensive-operations #diplomatic-resolution
Read at www.theguardian.com
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