14/06/2025
🚨| BREAKING: The UK is moving jets and other military assets to the Middle East, Keir Starmer has said, refusing to rule out defending Israel from Iranian strikes despite Tehran’s threat that such an action could lead to British bases in the region being targeted.
“I will always make the right decisions for the UK,” he said, when asked about his reaction to Iran’s threats against the bases of any western nations that came to Israel’s aid. “We are moving assets to the region, including jets, and that is for contingency support in the region.”
Downing Street said it would involve additional fast jets joining those already in the region, and more refuelling aircraft to “provide contingency support throughout the Middle East, should escalation continue”. Preparation began on Friday morning, following Israel’s attack on Iran’s nuclear programme and its top military leadership.
Asked whether the UK could be involved in helping Israel deflect retaliatory drone and missile strikes from Iran – which Tehran has said would make UK bases in the Middle East a target – the prime minister declined to say.
“These are obviously operational decisions and the situation is ongoing and developing and therefore I’m not going to get into the precise details,” he said. “But we are moving assets, we’ve already been moving assets to the region, including jets, and that is for contingency support across the region. So that is happening.”
