Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer spoke with US President Donald Trump after the UK joined a UK defensive operation in the Middle East. The call came after the United States and Israel launched strikes across several Iranian cities, including Tehran.
Earlier, Sir Keir confirmed that British aircraft were in the sky as part of a UK defensive operation. He said the mission aims to protect British people, national interests, and key allies. However, he stressed that the UK did not take part in the US-Israeli strikes.
The strikes followed failed negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme. Talks ended without an agreement, which increased tensions across the region. As a result, Iran launched retaliatory attacks against several countries hosting US facilities.
In response, Sir Keir condemned what he described as indiscriminate Iranian strikes. He said Iran targeted countries that were not directly involved in the conflict. Moreover, he warned that Iran poses a direct threat to dissidents and the Jewish community in the UK.
He also stated that Iran backed more than 20 potentially lethal plots on British soil over the past year. Therefore, he insisted that Iran must never develop a nuclear weapon.
At the same time, Sir Keir released a joint statement with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Together, they urged Iran to refrain from destabilising actions and return to negotiations. They called for peace, regional security, and protection of civilians.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council promised a crushing response to the attacks. Consequently, governments across the Middle East heightened security and suspended flights.
In Dubai, authorities reported an incident near Palm Jumeirah. Officials said four people suffered injuries and the airport sustained minor damage. Furthermore, flights at Dubai International and Al Maktoum International airports were temporarily suspended.
Explosions and sirens were also heard in Doha, Qatar. Qatari officials said air defences intercepted Iranian missiles. In Bahrain, state media reported a missile attack targeting a US Navy service centre.
Because of the escalating crisis, the Foreign Office updated its travel advice. It warned against all travel to Israel and Palestine. Additionally, officials advised British nationals in several Gulf states to shelter indoors.
Sir Keir also chaired a Cobra emergency meeting to coordinate the government’s response. During separate calls, he spoke with Qatar’s emir and the UAE president. He thanked regional leaders for protecting British nationals and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to its allies.
Political leaders in the UK reacted strongly. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch backed the US and Israel. In contrast, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey warned against deeper military involvement. Green Party co-leader Zack Polanski criticised the strikes as illegal and unprovoked.
Despite political divisions, Sir Keir maintained that the UK defensive operation remains focused on protection, not escalation. He said the government’s immediate priority is the safety of UK nationals. Ultimately, he urged Iran to return to diplomacy and prevent a wider regional conflict.
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